"Your Majesty! We must make haste and take arms all at once! We don't know when the Kingdom of Ritz might strike! It will be too te ohey cross out borders and pilge our nds! You must make a decision as soon as possible!" ［Duke］
Yapper and Chatter rocked the room, sharp and ludicrous barks ringing all over the pce. A bald man yelled and expressed his words to the top of his lungs, his saliva hurling everywhere like a broken fountain, disgusting as be.
The sun was still high in the sky and the castle was still standing proud. Yet despite the peaceful and calm sery outside, the inside of the throne room was a plete war zowo heads butting against each other, each trying to maintain posure.
One side was the Duke, his remarks sharp and rabid like a feral dog, trying to wage war against their Neighb Kingdom, and the other was the King, trying to maintain his reason, all the while listening to the Duke's ridiculous words.
"Duke Schemer, I uand that you're worried for this try, but we don't have any proof that the Kingdom of Rifz is plotting against us." ［King］
"Proof?! Your Majesty, they attacked one of our outposts on the border! Several knights and soldiers died! Is there er proof than that?!" ［Duke］
"That is still under iigation, Duke." ［King］
"What more is there to iigate?! Both the insignia of their Royal Knights and equipment only produced in Ritz were found in the se!" ［Duke］
"Duke! Lower your voice! You are being iowards His Majesty!" ［???］
Three figures stood in the heated battlefield, not one wanting to bend their ko the other. Such a fierce exge of words occurred, even sharper than the g of swords as veins popped out of their necks from anger.
The King's eyes liowards the Duke, dark aive thoughts springing up on his mind. It had just been a couple minutes since he arrived, and the first thialked about was deg war. It only made his head ache even harder.
"I?! I am only worried about our Kingdom! Should we move even a mioo te, those Ritz bastards could bare their fangs on us!" ［Duke］
"Don't be unreasonable, Duke! The Kingdom of Ritz has so far formed an amicable retionship with us! They have no reason to start a war!" ［???］
"The winds don't always blow from the same side! There is no reason for them to remain as they are, especially when there is a lot to gain!" ［Duke］
"What is there to gain?! There is a lot more to lose! Engaging in a pointless war will only do harm to both sides! You should know it well too, Duke, having participated in the Civil War as well! A war is no joke!" ［???］
"Are you sure you are not the oaking this matter lightly?! Iー" ［Duke］
"Silence! Both of you, Stop!" ［King］
The King has reached his limits and voiced out his words. As soon as he did, both the Duke and his oppo kept their mouths shut and tried to repose themselves. It was uo disobey the orders of the King.
"Calm yourselves down, and only then will we think this through." ［King］
His name is Philip til Vareon Aldengard, the current King of Aldengard and also a B-ranker of his ht. The King who ehe Civil War caused by the revolt of the nobles and freed the other races from their oppression.
He is a wise and warm man who has learnt from his Father how to love not just the Kingdom, but the people, his subjects, who inhabit the nds as well. It was he who ehe war with his sword, proving his majesty in front of the people.
However, just as how he was to his people, he was cold and merciless to those who he siders his enemies. Itlefield, he alone killed several thousand enemy knights and soldiers with his sword and dyed the once green pins red.
It was a horrific sight where the nds were redder than the sky during suhe enemies shaking in fear just by the mention of his was then that he earhe moniker of "Blood Hound". A deadly and ferocious warrior.
"This one has overstepped his bounds. I amplore Your Majesty to be merciful towards this foolish one before you." ［Duke］
And before that warrior and King, was Arsn til Schemer, one of the only 2 dukes of the Kingdom. A man whose arroganows no bounds, using his glib too triumph over others. A greedy man who'll do what it takes to e out on top.
Before the Civil War, his status was only that of a t's, but after supplying all sorts of ons and equipment to the King's side, and eradig several families which opposed them, he was awarded the title of "Duke" for his efforts.
"I apologize, Your Majesty. I have gooo far. I swear to bear any punishment ohis is all over. I ask for your fiveness." ［???］
As for the entlema in the room, his name was Dougs til Cavidel. A man who has served the King during the Civil War and also the sharp sword which apanied him throughout his battles.
He is an A-ranker who now serves as the Captain of the Royal Guards, staying by the King's side in case of emergencies and doing his bidding whehe need arises, not asking any question, for he is but a loyal knight and vassal.
"There is no need for such a thing. I simply wish for some time to think." ［Philip］
"Huhuhu. Your Majesty truly is merciful." ［Arsn］
"I am forever grateful for yrace, Your Majesty." ［Dougs］
All seemed calm and everything seemed normal. However, they were all still staring daggers into one ahe Duke and the Captain of the Royal Guards ready to cut one another's throat as soon as they were let loose.
"Duke, I uand your worries, but you should know that our Kingdom is still weak after the Civil War not too long ago. If ever we were to engage in war, no one knows how much we will be losing this time." ［Philip］
"That's precisely my point, Your Majesty. Those Southerners are plotting against us while we're still weak. We must strike them before they get the ce to build up their army and finish them ond for all." ［Arsn］
"That's impossible. No matter how mud how quickly we prepare, going to war would take a couple months at the very least. And we don't have the capital to spare as of the moment. Our citizen's lives welfare es first." ［Philp］
"How about I lend you my knights, then, Your Majesty? There may not be many of them, but I'm sure they won't lose against the Royal Guards. As for the funds... There are always ways to go around that, Your Majesty," ［Arsn］
The King had been trying to ily vey his disapproval of the idea, but it always went over the Duke's head... No, rather, he was iionally ign the meaning behind his words, ag very stubborn.
He wasn't just rude and arrogant, he was very i. Ihe castle where the King's words are absolute, he was ag as if he was higher thaer, his eyes filled with pride, not a sirace of fear painted in his eyes.
"What do you think, Your Majesty? All the pieces are already in pce. All we need is your approval, and we start the war." ［Arsn］
"That I ot do, Duke... This is something that needs critical thinking and long decisions. This is something I ot decide alone." ［Philip］
"Your Majesty, you are the most powerful person in the Kingdom. Who would dare stop you? Your words are the w, and we must follow." ［Arsn］
"Duke... I am a King, not a Tyrant. Know the difference," ［Philip］
The Duke stepped on a ndmine and ticked off the King, a sudden burst of tension and pressure sweeping throughout the room and bearing down on the Duke. The King's eyes were now cold as ice, seeing an enemy before him.
"Your Majesty, your temper. Please trol yourself." ［Dougs］
Thankfully, the Captain of the Royal Guards was beside the King, leaning towards him and whispering a couple words to make him snap back to reality. It was only then that the Kings released his aura, the room back to normal.
As for the Duke, he was already kneeling on the ground, clearly out of breath just from enduring the King's fearful aura. He could only regain his posure when the King's eyes returo normal, not an ounce of tension in the air.
"I apologize for that, Duke. I was swept away by my emotions." ［Philip］
"There's o apologize, Your Majesty. It was I who overstepped my bounds. Such a punishment was only deserved." ［Arsn］
"I see... Then it seems we've e to an uanding. However... About the war, I will think on that matter separately. I will give you my reply once I have decided. I hope you uand, Duke." ［Philip］
"Of course, Your Majesty. This one uands." ［Arsn］
Or so he says, but the bald man could barely hide his anger and dissatisfa, his face torted fre. Still, he kept himself quiet, simply bowing towards the King and trying to seem like a reasonable and faithful vassal.
"Then, I shall not be taking any more of Your Majesty's precious time, I will be taking my leave now. I bid you farewell, Your Majesty," ［Arsn］
"Farewell, Duke. I hope you have a safe return." ［Grey］
"Huhuhu. Your Majesty truly is a g person." ［Arsn］
Just like that, the heated and dangerous audience had e to an end and the Duke soon took his leave, his face still painted with disappoi as he headed out of the throne room, steps heavy as be.
He didn't even bother hiding his hostility, snickering on the King as soon as he turned his back. The doors soon closed and only two figures remained ihrone room. It was only then that true pead silence swallowed the room.
"Haah... How exhausting... I really didn't want to deal with him..." ［Philip］
"Good job for holding out, Your Majesty." ［Dougs］
"What I do? Even if I'm the King, there are still things I o sider and people I o take note of. It's all so exhausting." ［Philip］
"Should I ask the servants to prepare you a hot bath then, Your Majesty? I heard there has been a new healing magic tool going around the Capital." ［Dougs］
"Yeah. That sounds like a good idea. Please do, Dougs." ［Philip］
"Uood, Your Majesty." ［Dougs］
It was only when the Duke was finally gohat the King and Captain of the Royal Guards could rex themselves, versing ever so casually, and chatting as if they were just your usual pair of friends in their usual days.
The King stood up from his throne and stretched his body a little, rotating his shoulder bdes and twisting his body until the sound of crag bones filled the throne room. It was a tiring day and he just wants tn to his chambers for a deep sleep.
"Still... The Duke, huh... He really is a big problem, Your Majesty." ［Dougs］
"That's correct. However, there is nothing we do about it. Even if he looks like a stupid bastard, he's very on his tracks." ［Philip］
"I apologize for still being uo get undeniable evidence, Your Majesty. It is all due to my inpetence." ［Dougs］
"Don't think too much about it. It's just how the way it is." ［Philip］
The Duke of Schemer, one of the rgest tributors in the Civil War and the seost iial person after the King. It was all because of his glorious tributions which saved the lives of many, bringing the war to a close.
Or so it would seem to the masses... But that was not the full story. Iy, he not only supplied equipment to the King, but to the enemies as well, asking for an absurd sum of money and earning a rge profit from it, fully faking advantage of the war.
What's worse, he didn't just eradicate opposing families, but families on their side who he didn't view very favorably as well, pnting evideo justify all his as and make sure that no one will ever go against him.
The King already knows of his deeds, however, for some reason, he just couldn't find any evidence linking to him, the Duke using even his subordinates as scapegoats for him whenever necessary. He was a true bastard.
"The border situation... It's his doing, wasn't it?" ［Philip］
"We still haven't gotten any evidence, but it's very likely, Your Majesty." ［Dougs］
"Haah... Just how is he doing this..." ［Philip］
Even the border problem and the proposed War against Ritz was also the Duke's doing. His obvious purpose was to have the two tries engage in a long struggle and take heaps of damage over time until they're barely funal.
It is thehe Duke will use his hidden power and influeo more a rge ford usurp the throne of the Kingdom, at the same time taking the already weakened Kingdom of Ritz for himself as well,
After the two Kingdoms will be the other surrounding nations, swallowing them up oer ao grow his own Empire. Such was the grand and ambitious goal of the Duke, his arroga knowing any bounds or limits.
"Haah... I hope that bastard just trips and dies." ［Philip］
"Your Majesty... That doesn't sound very dignifiedー Hm?" ［Dougs］
CLACK CLACK CREAAAKKKKKK
And just whehing was over, the doors opened once more. But rather than a noble, what came inside was a knight, out of breath and clearly exhausted. He bowed his head towards the two politely, trying to be as respectful as he could.
"I apologize for the sudden intrusion, Your Majesty. But we have an urgent situation!"
So screamed the knight, making both the King and the Captain of the Royal Guards tilt their heads and look at him with dubious and fused eyes. It didn't rake long before the Knight was given permission to speak.
And so he did, however, what he revealed to the King was something he didn't and wasn't expeg, his heart sinking into further fusion and panic. His eyes opened in shock, his heart raced from ay, and...
"What did you just say?!" ［Philip］
... His words rocked the halls.
...
The room eaceful, beautiful paintings hung throughout the walls, artistic vases and sculptures dispyed atop the pedestals, magnifit furniture all over the pce, and picturesque views portrayed outside the windows.
It was the castle's drawing room and as one would expect, it was filled with luxury and grandiosity from top to bottom. Heck, even one of the furniture there was more than enough to buy a small yet fortable house for a family.
There, two figures id in wait, enjoying their time together and taking in the peace of the pce. One was sitting down on the sofa, enjoying a cup of tea, while the other was lying down, her head on his p, reading a novel ever so fortably.
"Yuna, you shouldn't be doing this, you know? This is still the Royal Castle. Other people will sider that rude." ［Grey］
"Mou... Who cares about them, I just want to rex with Grey. We'll be busy starting tomorrow, anyway. At least spoil me a little more today." ［Yuna］
"So you really were angry about it." ［Grey］
"No, I'm not! I just want to spend some time with you! Is that so bad?!" ［Yuna］
A few hours have passed since Grey and Yuna paid the Vist the visit, and after ing up the whole town and the surroundings of trash, they have now calmed themselves down a little, back to their usual selves.
Now, they are ihe Royal Castle, waiting for an audieh the King. They have already sworn to not associate with nobles as much as possible, but now that they've decided to up the trash, there's only so much they could do.
After all, if they want to ge the Kingdom, they o start with the very top who runs the pce. Otherwise, all their efforts would be useless and more trash will just keep on piling and take the pce of their predecessors.
"Grey... About the King... Do you think we trust him?" ［Yuna］
"I'm nor sure, but from what I hear, he isn't a bad person. I'm sure he'll listen to what we have to say... Or at least, I hope he will." ［Grey］
"Fufufu! So whie is it?" ［Yuna］
Of course, such a pn would only work if the King himself would listen to them. The two of them don't really know much about politics, so it would be great to have the help of someone so experienced and powerful.
Well, even if their proposal gets dehere are always many ways to go about it. They could just take matters into their own hands, or they could use a bit of "ving". Grey only hopes it doesn't e to the tter.
"Haah... I wao explore the capital too... What a shame..." ［Yuna］
"Let's explore it ter then. There's a sea nearby so maybe we go su viewing ohe day is over. We could also cook up a feast as well." ［Grey］
"Mmn～! I love the sound of that! U's do that!" ［Yuna］
Grey and Yuna had already pnned on visiting the Royal Capital, Cargellion, during their stay in Aldengard, but never did they think they would be arriving on the p such a way, with heavy circumstances burdening them.
Fet about dates, they may not even have free time to py around ohey get bae or enjoy each other's pany for a while. There are still long and busy days ahead of them, and they aren't looking forward to it o.
CLOP CLOP CLOP CLOP
"Yuna, get ready. It seems we already have an answer." ［Grey］
It hasn't even been 10 minutes sihey've arrived and Grey has yet to finish his cup of tea. Yet the sound of footsteps already started eg in the air, a familiar figure was rushing towards the drawing room.
It was the same knight which received them earlier and also the same knight who rushed towards the throne room. There was a trade en his eyes, obviously out of breath and panting ever so heavily. He soon opehe doors.
"P-P-Pardon me, Yhnesses! His Majesty has granted you an audience!"
The Knight used the remainder of what breath he had left and announced his words throughout the whole drawing room. Thankfully, the twiven the audiehey wanted and it seems like the King is looking forward to meeting them as well.
"Uood. Please lead us the way." ［Grey］
There was no time to waste. As soon as they were granted an audience, Grey and Yuna immediately stood up and headed outside of the room, their Grey finishing his cup of tea and leaving it behind before he did so.
The Knight, still exhausted and panting, tried to remain dignified before the two ahem towards the throne room, walking though many corridors and buildings on the way there, a multitude of ses greeting them warmly.
But perhaps the most eye-catg se was that of the bald man who was kig up a fuss and was shouting towards the servants as if he owns the pce. He was clearly a noble, but his as don't mate's.
"Hmm... That is..." ［Yuna］
"That's Duke Schemer, Yhness. Please avoid eye tact with him as much as possible. He doesn't really have the most pleasant of personalities."
It was her than Duke Schemer, now shing about after the humiliation he faced from the King and the Captain of the Imperial Guards. He is once again abusing his authority, shouting towards the servants who met his eyes.
Thankfully, shouting and scolding was the worst he could do to them. No matter how powerful he was, it was still the Royal Castle. Harming them would be nothing short of harming the King's dignity... Otherwise, Grey and Yuna might have taken a.
It didn't fake long before they arrived at the throne room, yet anrand pair of dreeting them with intricate carvings ced out on the surface, and a handful of knights guarding standing guard from both sides.
"The Royal Guests, Lrey and Lady Yuna are entering!"
The doors were soon opened, and the light shone ohrone room. There sat an honorable King, his white hair as pure as sunlight and his pink eyes shimmering like the beautiful tulips blooming in the Royal Gardens.
Beside him was a knight just as honorable, his dark gray hair blending in with the dark stones embedded in the walls and his eyes as bck as the night sky, a slight glimmer gleaming brightly as the rays of the sun hit them.
??Appraisal?? ［Grey］
-----------------------------------
[Salferine]
[Name]Philip til Vareon Aldengard
[Race]Human
[Sex]Male
[Age]43
[Status]Healthy
[Mana Capacity]1,233 [Mana Quality]C
[bat Power]1,578 [Threat Level]B
[Attribute]Lightning [Magic Proficy]High (56%)
[Css]Swordsman [on Proficy]High (55%)
[Physical Enha]59%
[Ability]Fair Judgement (3☆)
-----------------------------------
[Salferine]
[Name]Dougs til Cavidel
[Race]Human
[Sex]Male
[Age]43
[Status]Healthy
[Mana Capacity]1,834 [Mana Quality]B
[bat Power]2,892 [Threat Level]A
[Attribute]Dark [Magic Proficy]High (57%)
[Css]Swordsman [on Proficy]High (68%)
[Physical Enha]70%
[Ability]Shadow Step (4☆)
-----------------------------------
Surely enough, they were worthy of such Majesty, their strengths like that of heroes and their heart a bright green color in Grey's eyes. They aren't just powerful people, they are also kind, enough frey to aowledge them.
Grey and Yuna gave their greetings soon after, bowing their heads ever so slightly but nor kneeling down before the King. They have just met, but it was important to establish the power baweehey aren't any lesser.
"Hooh～! I didn't think you would both be this young, I'm surprised.... Though... What's more surprising is that I didn't think I would get a visit from you," ［Philip］
"For that, ologize, Your Majesty. It was an urgent matter we o discuss, so we didn't have enough time to send you a letter beforehand." ［Grey］
"No, it is fihis isn't the first time I experiehis, after all." ［Philip］
It was sudden, but the King seemed fih it. He hasn't just been a King for a day, but for several years. Sudden and unreasonable visits from merts and nobles are a staple, and something he has grown aced to.
"However... If this is just a waste of our precious time... That would be a totally different matter." ［Philip］
... And throughout those unreasonable visits, there have always been punishments aributions towards them. He was an uanding King, but he was not one so merciful, he'll five those who take the matters of the kingdom lightly.
A sharp and explosive burst of aura filled the room and pressure rose several folds in just a quistant, the feeling of intimidation and domination sweeping all over the pce, Dougs' eyes glowing a sharp and serious glint.
A truly explosive greeting!... Literally!
CHAPTER 418 END
