The footsteps of dozens of people, including the royal family, the Altavis family, Dean Claus, and Kazien's fiancés, echoed through the wide academy corridors.
However, as they walked through the grand hallway adorned with magic crystals, the attention of every student, committee member, and delegate from various kingdoms they passed was instantly sucked toward two specific figures in the group.
They all focused their disbelieving stares on the two elves walking side-by-side in the middle of King Nalvon's entourage. On one side was Alvin, the High Elf with golden hair and stunning mint-green eyes. On the other was Sarias, an adult elf with long emerald-green hair that radiated absolute elegance and a handsomeness beyond human logic.
People in the corridor had to catch their breath and rub their eyes. They had never imagined, truly never in the history of the Azvel Continent, that another member of the elven race would be brought from the Garveon Kingdom's territory.
Hysterical whispers about the presence of a second elf exploded and filled every corner of the corridor, following the group as they marched toward the specific tournament field.
Meanwhile, outside the academy's main gate.
A very luxurious gold-plated carriage had just arrived at the edge of the plaza. The carriage door opened, and the host ruler, King Nortvan, along with Queen Margaretha, stepped down under a heavy escort of Larkvood royal knights.
However, as soon as the King's shoes touched the marble of the plaza, his stride froze. King Nortvan and his wife were utterly shocked by the absurd sight presented right before their eyes.
In the plaza area that was supposed to be used only for parking guest carriages, there were now dozens of giant griffon monsters lounging, resting their wings right next to the silver-armored soldiers of the Garveon Kingdom.
Disregarding the etiquette of a welcome, King Nortvan rushed toward one of the Garveon military commanders standing guard near their black spatial carriage.
"Where did these dozens of griffon monsters come from?!" King Nortvan asked with a tone that was both demanding and amazed.
The Garveon commander turned, recognizing the figure before him as the host king. He immediately offered a military salute.
"Answering your question, Your Majesty. All of these griffons are the air unit troops from the Altavis territory!" the soldier answered loudly and with undisguised pride. "And they have come all this way under the direct command of the Duke, Your Majesty."
Hearing such a blunt answer, King Nortvan and Queen Margaretha looked at each other. Both were speechless. They never expected that the combat strength of the Garveon Kingdom under King Nalvon's leadership would be so terrifying. Having dozens of high-mutant wild griffons tamed into a military air unit was an absolute advantage in any war.
While shock still clouded the minds of the Larkvood rulers, a giant shadow moved near them.
"No need to look at us with such a worried face, Human." Lidaz spoke suddenly, staring straight into King Nortvan's eyes. "We won't do anything reckless or destroy this place as long as we aren't disturbed first."
Instinctively, King Nortvan and Queen Margaretha gasped and took a step back. Their eyes widened to the maximum, even more shocked to the point their hearts felt as if they skipped a beat upon realizing that the fierce griffon monster before them could speak like an adult man.
"A-Are you the only one who can speak our language?" King Nortvan asked, unable to hide his surprised expression, pointing at Lidaz with a slightly trembling hand.
"No!" Lidaz answered immediately, his voice booming with pride. He glanced at his pack behind him. "All of us here can speak and understand human language very well. It is all because of our master, Master Kazien, who made us able to speak fluently like this."
"K-Kazien?" King Nortvan asked with a confused brow. He felt he had heard that name in a previous report, but he had to be sure. "Who exactly is this Kazien?"
"He is our absolute master, as well as the youngest son of Duke Altavis. Our absolute master name is Kazien Altavis!" Lidaz answered with a puffed chest, very proud to voice his master's name. "Currently, he and his three fiancés are going to fight inside that building to show their strength."
Hearing that string of decisive answers from the griffon, King Nortvan and Queen Margaretha finally stood frozen. This crucial information hit the King's mind like a bolt of lightning out of the blue. He finally learned one vital fact: that the four tournament participants sent from the Garveon Kingdom were descendants of the Altavis family itself.
So that's how it is... King Nortvan murmured in his mind, the puzzle pieces that had been scattered finally clicking together perfectly. Kazien Altavis came here as a participant along with his three fiancés, did he? And apparently, the yellow-golden-haired High Elf who caused such a stir across the city is the fiancé of the Duke's son. No wonder! It's no surprise the security since the registration period has been so incredibly tight. Considering the nobles of the Altavis family are the foundation of the most terrifying combat power the Garveon Kingdom currently possesses.
Having reached such a logical and frightening conclusion, King Nortvan took a long breath to calm himself. He looked back at Lidaz.
"I see." King Nortvan replied, his voice returning to the calm of a true ruler. "Thank you very much for this valuable information. Please relax and enjoy your time here in the plaza."
The two leaders of the Larkvood Kingdom then walked slowly away from the plaza, moving through the halls to enter the academy toward the special honorary stands.
With every step, King Nortvan's mind couldn't stop working.
There are many nonsensical mysteries hidden away within the Garveon Kingdom's borders. King Nortvan thought, his expression serious. First they bring a High Elf, and now they openly show a lethal air force consisting of dozens of talking wild griffons. And the craziest part is that both of these insane powers are owned by a single noble family, Altavis.
The King stared straight ahead toward the tournament arena, which was beginning to grow noisy with the cheers of the audience.
Just how strong is this Altavis territory in the Garveon Kingdom? he asked himself again, a deep curiosity now residing in his mind, overshadowing his focus on the magic tournament itself. Someday, I must establish closer diplomatic ties and personally visit to see their territory for myself.