Dark Dragon: The Summoned Hero Is A Villain

Chapter 298: A Feast For You

Noah’s chair scraped loudly against the floor as he stood, his movements sudden enough to draw glances from those around him.

The nobles seated at his table blinked in surprise, murmuring among themselves, but he ignored them completely.

That energy, that cold, crawling sensation threading through his veins, he knew it too well to mistake.

It had only brushed against his senses for a second, faint as smoke, but it was hers. Lady in Dark.

He scanned the hall, eyes flicking from one corner to the next.

Around the hall, no one else seemed to have sensed the same thing as him. Even if they did, they wouldn’t be able to register it. After all, they hadn’t met Lady in Dark that night.

Things continued as usual. The courtiers laughed, the servants wove through the crowd with trays of food and wine, and the musicians played soft melodies near the dais.

But Noah wasn’t looking at any of it.

He stretched his senses, searching for that faint distortion in mana again.

For a moment, he thought he caught it again, but then it was gone.

Completely gone.

He frowned, his pulse slowing, the hair on his neck still standing on end.

She’d been here. He was sure of it. But now there was no trace, not even a lingering aftertaste of her power.

The people seated nearby exchanged puzzled looks. One of them, a young noble, leaned towards him uncertainly. "Are you all right, sir?"

"I’m fine," Noah said curtly, forcing himself back into his seat.

He hadn’t even touched his food when the heavy doors at the end of the hall opened.

A herald’s voice rang out, clear and commanding. "Her Majesty, Queen Ines Pendragon!"

Instantly, the crowd rose to their feet.

Ines entered, flanked by her guards and attendants. She was dressed in her ceremonial gown, royal blue with gold embroidery, and the circlet rested lightly upon her head.

The noise of the feast faded into reverent silence as she made her way to the head table.

When she reached it, she turned to face the hall, her expression poised and regal.

"My people," she began, her voice carrying effortlessly, "today marks the dawn of a new era for Camelot. Let this feast be not only a celebration of my coronation, but of the strength and unity that binds us all."

She raised her goblet, her smile calm and resolute. "To Camelot."

"To Camelot!" the crowd echoed.

Music swelled, voices rose, and the feast continued.

Noah sat still amidst the noise, his focus elsewhere.

He hadn’t touched his food again since the Queen’s toast, his senses still faintly stretched outwards in case Lady in Dark’s energy returned.

Unfortunately, the noble sitting beside him mistook his silence for shyness.

"Quite the night, isn’t it?" the man said, leaning closer with a grin. "A new queen, a grand feast, and wine good enough to make the abyss jealous."

Noah gave a polite nod. "Sure."

The noble chuckled, clearly taking that as encouragement.

"You’re from the Academy, aren’t you? One of those hero students. My niece studies there, and can’t stop talking about it. Must be quite the adventure, hmm?"

Noah took a slow sip of wine, hoping the gesture would end the conversation. It didn’t.

The noble clapped him lightly on the shoulder. "Come now, don’t be modest! I heard you were there during that dragon attack, weren’t you?"

"How was it? Terrifying? Glorious? Oh, to be young again!"

"It was... loud," Noah said flatly.

The man laughed, oblivious to his disinterest. "You’ve got humor! I like that."

The noble leaned back in his chair, puffing out his chest with pride. "You know, back in my days, I was quite the swordsman," he boasted, swirling his wine.

"I led a dozen men during the border wars, you know. The bards sang about us for months, at least until politics ruined all the fun."

"These days, I’m stuck behind paperwork and making copies of council debates." He sighed dramatically. "Glory fades, doesn’t it?"

Noah’s patience was thinning. He was just about to excuse himself when a light tap landed on his other shoulder.

He turned, already half grateful for the interruption, to find High Magus Edric standing behind him.

The man’s imposing figure seemed to fill the space, making him look larger than he actually was. His eyes met Noah’s.

"Come with me," Edric said simply.

The noble beside Noah froze, eyes wide in awe. "High Magus! I— what an honor—" he stammered, but Edric didn’t so much as glance at him.

With a brief nod to excuse himself, Noah rose and followed.

The din of the feast faded as they stepped out into the palace corridor. They walked, their boots clicking against the floor.

"You’ve carried a heavy burden already, Noah Webb," Edric began, his tone even, almost reflective. "But it seems that life doesn’t want its heroes to have a journey without trials and tribulations."

"The death of King Cillian has left a void in Camelot, one that cannot be filled by titles or crowns alone. We need strength. We need heroes. We need you."

Noah didn’t respond, his expression calm but his mind racing.

Edric’s voice carried a tone of both command and sincerity, yet something about the way he spoke felt rehearsed.

As they walked, Noah began to recognize the path they were taking. His steps slowed slightly, suspicion tightening in his chest.

"High Magus," he said quietly, "where are we going?"

Edric’s lips curved in a smile. "To prepare you," he said.

"If you are to protect this kingdom, you must understand the scale of what we face. Words cannot teach that. You must see it."

Noah’s eyes narrowed. "See what?"

Edric didn’t answer. He turned one last corner, his robe sweeping behind him.

And there it was, the tall, ornate door of the royal library.

Noah stopped dead in his tracks.

Through the solid wood, he could feel it. An unmistakable pulse of energy, dark and wrong, vibrating faintly against his senses.

It was faint but familiar, whispering against his mind like cold fingers brushing his thoughts.

It was the same energy as Lady in Dark.