Academic gathering with a lich-Chapter 72 - 69 Dawn of Cassandra

Around his head was a metal circlet adorned with carved deep green olive leaves, his face was a disguise, an empty dark brown quiver hung on his back, and he held a piece of beast skin in his hand, which only upon occasional unfurling revealed itself to be a Ceremonial Cape, its azure-grey insignia spread flat at the center.

He pocketed the portrait of his beloved granddaughter inside the pocket on his chest, and glared fiercely at his old adversary across from him, even though his foe did not notice due to the disguise, the intentional heaviness in his nasal tone still communicated his dissatisfaction.

As expected, the man across, encased in iron, responded to him, that old man obsessed with his hair, tapped his armor over his chest with a finger, a mocking gesture typical of the Dreya, implying that the next assault would pierce your chest.

Irene turned around, directly facing the headband-wearing Hooded Man, her voluminous robes obfuscating the irascible man’s view, also blocking his provocation.

"Echel, please keep your composure, we have serious matters to attend to," she said.

"Reed, the same applies to you," she added.

"I do not recall any serious matters, aside from boasting about one’s achievements, family, domain, and history. Joining the Twilight Memories, I have never heard of said serious matters."

"Newcomer, we welcome the thirteenth newcomer, now is the time for you to display manners befitting of your noble bloodline."

Irene raised her right hand and extended it towards Lyle, "Welcome, member of the Andrey."

"Wait, Irene! Although our organization has neither prospects of development nor discipline, I do not think any Tom, Dick, or Harry has the qualification to share a room with us; this does not conform to the rules," the Leather Armor Person interrupted Mr. Irene. He approached Lyle, his towering figure nearly 1.9 meters tall, eyeballing the bird-mask.

Just when Lyle thought he was about to be physically confronted, the Leather Armor Person fastened the cape on his back in reverse and performed an ancient salutation.

"Twilight of Liveser, Ranger Lord, Echel de Liveser, Liveser II, I salute you."

Lyle stood correct without any fumbles at the sudden engagement, and the scene unfolded like the first domino to fall.

"Twilight of Dreya, Knight Lord, Reed Jean Dreya, Dreya III, I salute you."

"Twilight of Morocoy, Mage Lord, Irene Jane Dolgette, I salute you."

"Twilight of Darison..."

"Twilight of Huabayron..."

"Twilight of Yedega..."

One by one, figures offered their salutations, and one by one, names were read out, all unsurprisingly accompanied by sacred surnames, noble and ancient, possessing noble origins predating even the Roman Empire, and a lord, a title signifying actual ownership of a territory, coupled with the history learned from the scholars.

They were royalties from various nations, forgotten royal family members, gathered here for some unknown reason. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞

Do you think you are worthy to stand with us?

The posture of everyone around conveyed this viewpoint, and although Lyle repeatedly told himself that knowledge changes fate and magic creates miracles, the dozen or so words symbolizing status and power nearly suffocated him; Lyle stood rigid in place, but his heart began to retreat.

"State your name, sir!" Irene’s serious voice pulled Lyle back to reality, forcing him to face it all.

Lyle was just a minor character, but the pride within him would not allow him to submit to power, a true man kneels only to heaven, earth, and his parents, especially under heavy pressure, his spine would remain unbending.

"I, am named Lyle Butler."

"Butler? A family I have not heard of."

"Because it is the surname of a commoner."

"A commoner, is that where your pride lies? An ordinary background?"

"My family is my pride."

"...Who is your family?"

"My uncle, Ralph Butler, he’s a sheriff..."

Lyle elaborated on everything about Ralph, his gloomy zombie-like face, poor social skills, way of doing things, the care he had for his nephew, his bravery in fighting monsters, and his hysteria that went beyond ordinary people.

Lyle held his head high, boasting to them about such a characterful and capable family member. There was no discomfort, for Ralph deserved his reverence and admiration.

As Lyle’s narrative came to an end.

The surroundings fell utterly silent.

Mr. Irene approached, "Mr. Lyle, I greatly admire your enthusiastic speech and passion, just as you describe, you have a family worth being proud of, which aligns perfectly with the initial intent of the Twilight Memories, the endless remembrance of the living. Welcome aboard, Lyle."

Echel stepped forward, "I apologize, Lyle, for the discourtesy displayed before. It was part of the test, but of course, that doesn’t mean I am much of a gentleman. Like you said, you have a good uncle. When you talk about how he protects you, I always think of my precious Kayla, and I am sure I would do the same thing for her. Additionally, should your uncle choose to emigrate, I am more than willing to grant him a title of knighthood, for he strikes me as a man of value."

"But, as you’ve said, I am not of noble blood." Lyle was momentarily taken aback by the sudden acceptance.

Reed tapped on his armor, "Bloodline theory is an old and toothless argument. We call ourselves Twilight not to dwell on the past rigidly but to cherish past glories, not as stubborn old fools."

"Besides, an ordinary commoner who, faced with the authority of several lords, expressed fervently that he was no less worthy to join us is extraordinary in his own right."

"Without achievements, we create them; without glory, we forge it. To be renowned for generations starts within this lifetime, is that not wonderful?"

"The dawn of Cassandra, the proud Lyle I."