Equipped: Armory of Legends

Chapter 8: 5 Years Old

After consolidating the information and knowledge he received from his grandfather, a month had passed in a blink of an eye.

There was a beautiful sunset painting the skies with gradient orange to purple. Adrian is in his room getting ready for his birthday party with the help of his mother and a maid.

“Oh, my baby boy had grown up so quickly, the little girls at the party will be sending marriage proposals after the party with how dashing you are.” Amanda squealing like a little girl with excitement.

Adrian looked into the mirror and had to admit, he does look handsome. He stands at 90cm tall and his face is perfectly portioned but still carries a bit of baby fat makes him look cute complimenting his thick auburn hair.

He wears the suit that his mother custom made for him. It is a blue shirt with red tailcoat and red pants perfectly fits his figure.

“I… I don’t want to marry anyone that don’t had my attention. I don’t need marriage proposals. I can find the person I love on my own. I right now I love mom and dad the most” Adrian gave a respond to avoid future troubles while hugging his mother’s leg.

“Kyaa… those are the same words when your father is searching for a wife. Ralph told the story to me while your father was dying of embarrassment at the side” Amada become more excited while remembering the good times.

Adrian let out a small chuckle hearing the story. At least of now he can escape from engagement and marriage matters pushed to the future.

The sun had finally completely set, the skies became dark and the first few guests have arrived.

The invitations were sent to all nobles including the royals but it depends on them to attend or not. Although they can’t attend, they must send a representative to at least extend wishes and send gifts. It is noble courtesy for making sure you are not making any enemies.

Father is the one that always go to these parties. Adrian sighs remembering that he had to do this when he grew up as the eldest son of the household.

There are 20 noble households in the Twilight Kingdom. There is from highest to lowest rank, 2 Dukes, 4 Marquises, 4 Counts, 5 Viscounts, and 5 Barons. He only knows counts are responsible for the kingdoms border defence.

Adrian don’t have the information for others is because he was replied “Oh, you’re too young for this. There’s no need for you to know too soon.”. That’s fine he can get the information from them himself. He had trained for this in this life and in his past life.

“But still, curse this tiny body.” Adrian curses in his thought. He hates being the little guy.

Ralph waits at the door to welcome the guest while a maid ushered them inside offering them a seat at a table and some refreshments with appetizers.

Adrian is standing next to Malcom while he is carefully observing the guest actions. He is looking for ones that finished their appetizers as well as their habits when drinking.

Understanding their emotions through it, rushed or enjoying it. With this information, he began to move, stunning Malcom seeing Adrian walking to a fellow count.

Adrian walked to the table, there is a single man wearing a dark blue tailcoat suit that fits the occasion, looks like he is in his mid 30s. He had a stylish short black hair and a scar across his right cheek. Adrian deduces this man is a swordsman that is very dominant on his right.

“Good evening sir, is everything is to your liking? My name is Adrian Cross. I hope you don’t mind I come to strike a conversation with you.” Asking politely while bowing to the man.

The man is very surprise seeing a 5 year old directly confront him to strike a conversation. He looked at Malcom in the distance to check his reaction to this. Malcom just shrugs his shoulders while with a confusion written on his face.

The man concluded that the boy came to him to strike a conversation with him on his own accord. He is surprised but he humours the kid.

“No. Everything is fine. I apologize if I’ve shown something unsightly for the boy of the hour to come to me.” The man responds humbly while attacking Adrian to see how he handle this.

“It is great that you enjoy the party. You did not do anything bad sir, you don’t need to apologize. I was worried when I saw you fidgeting earlier. Are you sick sir?” Adrian kept calm and strikes back while showing an innocent face.

The other guest saw this, each show a different reaction from holding back laughter to spitting out the food. Now, they each have an impression on Adrian. Malcom slaps his forehead hard, leaving a red mark that will last for the whole night.

“Don’t worry kid. I’m healthy as I can be, maybe you just misunderstand. Forgive me for the late introduction. I’m Tate. Count Tate Turner. I guard the west border facing the Epoch Empire. It is surprising to see a cheeky brat like you here. Is that what you came here for?” Count Tate Turner is shivering trying to supress his shame and anger.

Count Turner just want to play around with the kid. He did not know that this kid is as cunning as a fox. Furthermore, the kid is just a 5 year old.

“I don’t understand what you mean Count Turner. Knowing that you are fine, it gladdens my heart. Your glass is empty, I ask a maid to refill it for you. Please enjoy yourself. Now if you excuse me.” Adrian innocently denying the count’s claim and leaving to find a maid after a polite bow.

Everyone saw the interaction between the count and the child. They praise the kid in their hearts. Many nobles took initiative to start interacting with Adrian after that.

Adrian welcomed them all. They started introducing themselves one by one. Some even introduce him to their sons and daughters. Adrian politely greets them back and not paying too much attention to the kids.

He now knows that the nobles of the kingdom that received their titles are either merchants, soldiers or scholars. Only the Dukes, are related with royalty after interacting with their representatives.

Suddenly, taps of a glass chimes throughout the hall. Malcom and Amanda standing on a high platform grabbing everyone’s attention.

“Thank you all for coming today to celebrate my eldest son 5^th birthday day. Without further ado, I invite my son, Adrian to give a speech and a toast for this occasion” Malcom spoke in a proud manner.

“Malcom, are you joking your son is only 5 years old. I spoke to him too comfortably like his my equal. No wonder Count Turner lose to a kid in a conversation.” Said Count Davison jokingly who guards the north border.

“Who says I lose to a kid?” Count Turner heard those remarks and look towards Count Davison’s location. Count Davison just hold up his hands and don’t want to start a fight in another count’s territory. Count Turner saw this he just brushes it off as it is just a joke.

Everyone agrees with Count Davison first comment. Adrian’s presence and poise, make them treat Adrian as a full grown noble.

Soon Adrian stood on the platform, giving his speech,

“Ladies and gentleman, boys and girls, as well as representatives. I extend my gratitude for attending my birthday party and delivering your sweet wishes. Many of you came from afar just to…. “Adrian suddenly to stops as he heard a familiar voice in his head.

[Upgrade completed]

[Rebooting ARIA]

A holographic screen pops out in front of Adrian. Seeing hearing nobody asking “what is that in front of him?” meaning only he can see it.

[ Now Loading… 27%]

It showed after only 1 minute had passed. Adrian continued his speech.

“Ahem… Many of you came from afar just to celebrate my birthday. So please enjoy yourself to the fullest. Eat and drink as much as you want. Cheers. To the nobles and to the Twilight Kingdom.” Adrian finish of his speech and give a toast.

Everyone was curious of Adrian’s speech 1 minute delay but they shrug it off and respond to the toast.

“Cheers to Adrian and the Twilight Kingdom”

Just as Adrian walked off the platform stairs, he saw the holographic screen shows [100%].

Adrian felt a sudden pain shook to the core of his soul. It hurts so much that his consciousness blacked out. Last thing he saw is the momentum of him falling down the stairs but the holographic screen showed,

[ARIA status: ONLINE]