#i have no doubts he'll warm up and accept he's not some sort of threat x'D

[magnifiico]

There were far quicker ways to navigate to their destination—indeed, King Magnifico knew Rosas’s streets as well as the magic to which he’d dedicated much of his life—but he opted for a, shall we say, scenic route. For a purpose that was twofold: graciously offering this man the pleasure of this kingdom’s wondrous sights (that Magnifico had sunk so much effort into creating); and providing the two of them extra time to get to know each other. He was as curious as he was cautious, innocently intrigued as he was deliberately hypervigilant: dual sides of the king that oftentimes reared their heads in the company of a stranger within his kingdom’s borders.

But even so—! It was hardly Magnifico’s intention to frighten the poor man (at least not while he currently had no reason . . . ), and as he caught the faint signs of nerves bubbling beneath the surface, the king made mental note to alleviate those as well as he could. And it was mildly amusing, frankly; the newcomer didn’t even understand in whom’s presence he stood—the very monarch himself . . . Magnifico contemplated how good of an idea it was to offer that information—

Seemed he’d not have much of a choice, would he?

“Ah, a professor,” Magnifico repeated, and though the enthusiasm in his tone may have been somewhat exaggerated, it wasn’t a lie. “No, I don’t suppose I would know you—the name doesn’t ring a bell—but I imagine anyone requesting your audience must mean you’re very skilled in your craft. It’s an honor.” He respectfully ducked his chin, something of a bow even as they walked leisurely on their way, passing fewer townspeople the farther from the city’s center they went. 

By the time it was his turn to offer the same courtesy, he couldn’t help a light chuckle in spite of himself. “Now, I hope this won’t change anything—we’re having a pleasant chat, after all,” he mused, and something playful danced in his eyes as he cast his company a sidelong look, “but I’m the ruler around these parts; King Magnifico. At the very least, you can trust you’re in good hands, Mr. Layton.”

As Hershel continued, he couldn't help but sense a lingering misfortune hanging over his and the modest man's heads. Not enough for the professor to point out, but it made him weary for how he was going to act in the stranger's presence. Hershel wasn't being a bother, was he? Despite being somewhat entitled to directions as a foreigner, either the mood or his own insecurities started to seep the suspicion that he was not welcome here.

In their traded smiles, the slight stiffness of his shoulders diminished. There was a mutual exchange of formality and acceptance. Good, good! Hershel may have been startled by the king's snatching of the invitation, but his confident acknowledgement had the professor heavily nodding. Hershel was going to attempt another smile, but like the letter, that, too, was snatched away by the returned paper in his hands. If this stranger proved anything, it was that he was both fast and forward.

Hershel listened to Magnifico's vague directions closely. A new, secluded street… quite the perfect place for a mystery! And the professor knew he loved a good puzzle. Directions throughout Rosas clearly weren't his forte, but whatever he was requested for surely would be. Hershel was surprised yet humbled that Magnifico offered to lead the way. What a gentleman!

"Thank you again, sir." Hershel nodded again, but when his head rose, Magnifico was already walking away. The most quiet of noises escaped him as he heightened his step to catch up. Side by side now, Hershel perked his head up to give uncertain eyes to the unbeknownst king. Truly, he didn't know why he was summoned either. The question "why him?" didn't matter in the grand scheme of things. If someone needed Professor Layton's help, Professor Layton would help.

Suppose they did gloss over any introductions. "Not to my knowledge, no. I'm a mere professor of archaeology with a knack of puzzle solving. I am Hershel Layton, and its a pleasure to make your acquaintance." The air between them may have been heavy, but what he meant his words. "I hadn't quite grasped who you are, either. May I have the honor of knowing who guides me through this magnificent kingdom?"