Chapter 353: Zelsh’s Warm Welco
“Are you trying to scare my friends?”
“That depends on who they are,” laughed the voice, echoing less and less as it got closer. A mont later, a tall, broad figure appeared from the hallway. The man instantly blinked and was taken aback the mont he spotted the gorilla. “What... Who, may I ask, are your friends?”
“Zelsh, do you rember Ania, Bradok’s prized daughter?”
“Ania??!”
“And this is Vloz, the long-ti companion to Bradok’s idiot son, Rathe,” Jarrit continued the introductions, getting the king to be silent for a mont. “Also, Puula and her daughter, Netra, have tagged along as representatives of Ania’s and Vloz’s territory.”
“Oh, so Bradok actually got himself a vacation ho?” joked the king, getting a laugh from the traveling party. He lowered his head in a friendly bow, keeping his eyes raised ever so slightly. “Welco to my city. Any friend of Jarrit’s is a friend of mine, especially for soone like you, Ania.”
Sighing, Ania asked, “So my dad is still doing fine?”
.....
“I’d say so. He even ascended a few years back. And now you’ve co to steal him away, leaving without a banquet chef.”
“If you’d like, I’m willing to cook you and dad a small feast. Hopefully, that–”
Zelsh threw up his arms in excitent, cutting her off, “Wonderful! I look forward to it!”
“A small feast,” Ania repeated, confident before the king who she had t a few tis thanks to her father, “for all of us and your imdiate family.”
“If it lets try your food, then I’ll gladly accept! The kitchen is all yours! How long will you all be staying with us?” asked Zelsh, scanning over the rest of the party. He was intrigued by them all, sensing hints of divine energy from everyone but the younger fox. But it was that younger fox that imdiately caught his eye. “You’re na was Netra, correct?”
“Yes...”
“You’re quite special. If you–”
“We’ve already tested her and know about her perfect affinity,” stated Vloz, getting a chuckle from Zelsh. “She’s our entrant in the upcoming tournant, so she may beco an adversary to your region and prefecture.”
“Well, it was worth a shot. Even then, being a rival in the tournant doesn’t make her an enemy...” Zelsh ntioned with a shrug.
“We appreciate your interest,” Puula stated, bowing along with her daughter.
“If you’re really that interested, just say the word and I’ll make sure she’s properly trained. Sadly, my hands are full with...” For a split second, Zelsh’s face twitched. An epiphany flashed across his face but he quickly caught himself and continued, “I can’t offer my personal guidance at the mont due to my other students. But if she’s in need of sothing and I can help, feel free to pay a visit and discuss the matter.”
“Thank you, King Zelsh. We’ll keep that in mind,” Vloz replied with a bow. “As her teacher, I may take you up on that offer in the future.”
“We’ll only be staying one night, so we shouldn’t waste too much ti.” Ania reasoned, “Puula and Netra ca because they’ve never been to such a city. We thought coming here would be good preparation for Netra before the tournant.”
“Ahhh. You’re as smart as Bradok said,” complinted Zelsh. “You’ve grown up so much since I last saw you.”
“Thank you. But don’t believe everything that my father says during his wild stories.”
Zelsh lifted an eyebrow and asked, “Really? I heard you’re the only one who could out-drink him. Is that not true?”
“Well... That is true,” Ania chuckled.
“Then I look forward to the feast and all of your company! But for now, I should get on with my scheduled duties. If you’re interested, you’re all welco to watch train so of our own competitors.”
A shimr of interest appeared in Netra’s gaze. She spoke without thinking, “Is there a chance I could join?”
“Netra–”
“Just for today?” Netra gingerly stared at her mom, begging for permission.
Zelsh laughed and shrugged, “If you want to, you’re welco to join in. I always support talents testing each other on the battlefield. It’s the best way to learn about your own cultivation. Of course, that’s if you’re alright with it.”
“I support her.”
Turning to the side, Puula was a little shocked to see Vloz backing Netra. “Vloz, this is for–”
“The point of her being here was to broaden her horizons before the tournant. What better way than for her to face the best competition anyone can offer?” reasoned Vloz. “Besides, it’s not like they’re fighting in the actual tournant. We’ll make sure she’s safe at all tis. She’ll have ti tomorrow morning to see the city, so why not let her experience so real competition?”
“... Fine. Netra, if you want–”
“Thank you, Mom!” Giving Puula a quick hug with her tails, Netra stepped forward. “I’m ready.”
“Good. Will you all be spectating?” asked Zelsh.
“I will.” Jarrit raised his hand, eager to watch what was about to happen.
Vloz nodded and agreed, “ too.”
“Of course I’ll watch my daughter...” sighed Puula.
Only Ania remained silent for a mont. “I’d like to, but I have a feeling I should drag my father out of bed first... I’ll go get him and et you in the colosseum. Is that okay?”
“That sounds fine by .” Stepping aside, Zelsh let Ania walk past him. “He’s still renting that sa shack.”
“Thank you!”
As Ania sped away through the halls, Zelsh swung his arms and began walking in the opposite direction. “Follow . By the way, has Netra ever fought anyone with divine potential?”
“What do you an?” Netra asked.
“No... Actually, she has once. But her opponent wasn’t at her level, so it wasn’t considered an even match,” answered Vloz, confusing the young fox.
“Okay. Well, I’ve accepted so with less experience before, so at least she has that going for her. But don’t expect that to be the case today,” Zelsh chuckled playfully. “Make sure to be on your toes, Netra. Or you won’t know what knocked you out.”
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