The banquet had quite a few people there. Several of them also came to greet Fawks. Kotori was having trouble remembering all the names.

[That was Daljhin of Ethas? Or was it Tyet? Man, this is hard.]

She did however notice a curious development. The partier goers seem to be converged in three main camps. One of them was surrounding Zacariah and Delia. The other two were surrounding two other people but it was so packed that Kotori could not make out the other people. Zachariah had the largest group.

In contrast, there were no people surround Kotori.

“So you’ve noticed?” Fawks said.

“Mhmm I guess,” Kotori said. She had shifted her focus and was busy eyeing a nice rack of lamb that was sitting at a table.

“Can you pay a bit more attention?” Fawks said

[Boring]

“Ok, what?”

“People in the country have already chosen a side, it happens every time. People are naturally going to cluster around the ones with the highest chance of winning” Fawks explained.

“So? We just gotta beat them no?” Kotori said.

“That’s going to be hard. Those people are some of the richest merchants in Eris. They’ll be backing their candidates with zeal.” Fawks explained.

“I guess since I don’t really know what these trials deal with so I can’t really feel any tension you know,” Kotori said

Fawks sighed

“Look, the trials are handpicked by the queen, we don’t know what they are. Generally, there will be a combat and dungeon trial, but the others are a mystery. ”

[Well, I’m good at those things.] Kotori had quite a bit of experience with dungeons and fighting already, one could even say that it was all she did.

“Umu, seems like it’ll be pretty easy,” Kotori said nodding knowingly.

“Please be a little more serious,” Fawks said a pained expression on his face

[But I am!] Kotori thought

The small group seemed to have some movement and this time short but pudgy man, came walking through. He had lighter skin than most but still had the dark hair that most of the people of Eris had. He looked shockingly similar to the queen, which meant that he must’ve been one of Fawk’s brothers.

Next to the man was an Eris woman. She seemed to be wearing a light sundress dress, but it didn’t fit her well. Not because the dress was ill-fitting size-wise but rather because the body of the women completely didn’t match the dress. She had a strong muscular-toned physique. Something that didn’t fit at all with the light and airy sundress.

The man started waving at Kotori and her group.

“Ah Fawks it’s been so long!” He said with a beaming smile while walking over.

“Mattie! How’s it been?” Fawks was giving a genuine smile this time.

[They seem to be on good terms] Kotori thought. Fawks didn’t seem to dislike this man.

“So, So I guess. You found a candidate? That small girl? Or is it one of these women?” the man said gesturing to Kotori’s spirits.

“Ah yes, I forgot introductions, Kotori this is my younger brother Mathias, the woman next to him is Yenoba, his wife. Mathias this young girl here is Kotori and She’s my queen's candidate the others are her comrades” Fawks said.

Mathius and the women next to him gave a bow.

“Pleased to make your acquaintance,” Kotori said with a polite tone. These people seemed nice enough, so she didn’t want to make a bad impression.

“Man, Fawks, it's rough out here, Zachariah is walking around acting like he’s won already, and Ryla isn’t any better, want to go into hiding with me?”

“Cmon Mattie, you know that impossible” Fawks said.

“Well, with your connection we might have a chance, we could go hide out in the warring states or maybe on the far end of Atlea?”

“Mhmmm, I’m going to take a chance by competing. This girl is more than she seems” Fawks said.

“Oh really…”

The conversation between the two men was like two old friends meeting each other there didn’t seem to be any animosity between them. Unfortunately, for Kotori, it didn’t seem like she had any space in the conversation.

[Odd?] Kotori thought She was thankful that Mathias seemed like a nice enough guy, but she didn’t know why he was so nice.

Kotori saw Yenoba standing next to Mathius silently, so Kotori’s decided to make some light small talk.

“Your muscles are quite large”

[Dummy!] Kotori instantly cursed herself.

[What kind of idiot starts a conversation like that!] She thought.

Yenoba on the other hand seemed flattered.

“Yes, I train them daily. Though, this dress is a little too… frilly for my tastes. The clothing choices here are not ideal”

“Mhmm” Kotori agreed, she thought the Eris clothing was a little weird as well. Especially after seeing the clothes that were given to her companions.

[Clothes are annoying] Kotori thought before she suddenly had an idea.

[Wait, would wood elf clothing work on her?]

The woods elves wore practical clothing(and delinquent styles). It would be a good fit for someone like Yenoba.

“I know some styles that might work for you, I’ll see if I can commission them,” Kotori said.

“Really? I would love to see them” Yenoba said. Based on her expression she was obviously interested in Kotori’s proposal.

“Hmm, I’ll see what I can do.”

“That would be lovely” Yenoba said her face breaking into a light grin.

Kitsura

Another brother!

This one seems nice?