"Greetings, Your Majesty." Sir Bernard bowed.
Rem, Roy, and Alex bowed too.
"You may rise." The King stated.
The four stopped bowing. Rem quickly inspected the King's stats.
[Name: Mariel Faejyre IV]
[Role: Fifth King Of The Elven Kingdom]
[Race: Elven]
[Level: ???]
[HP: ???/???]
[MP: ???/???]
[Element(s): ???]
'002, do you know how old he is?'
{He's around 500 years old.}
'That's...' Rem had no words.
"Why did you bring outsiders here?" The King asked, staring at the four living beings before him.
"He's from the dragonkin. The others are his companions, Your Majesty." Sir Bernard explained.
"The dragonkin is welcomed. However, the others aren't, even if they're his companion. By bringing others here, you're endangering the elven race." The King claimed.
{I already know what you're going to ask. They welcome dragons because dragons have been protecting many lands for centuries. The first King of the elven kingdom was friends with dragons.}
'No wonder... I guess they think outsiders are dangerous. I mean, they are. It's quite understandable.'
"But, Your Majesty―" Sir Bernard retorted, but he ended up getting cut off by the King.
"Are you defying me?" The King stared at Sir Bernard with menacing eyes.
"I wouldn't dare, Your Majesty...!" Sir Bernard responded.
"He has committed treason. Lock this man in the prison. Don't give him food or water." The King ordered.
The knights dragged Sir Bernard away. Sir Bernard didn't resist whatsoever.
"Bring the dragonkin to a comfortable room. Treat him well." The King ordered, looking at Rem and Alex.
Roy looked at Rem. Rem gave him a slight nod. Roy reluctantly followed the knights who brought him to a comfortable room to stay at. Alex was intimidated by the King's presence, so he was fidgeting uncomfortably.
"Bring the other two to a separate room. In an hour, I'll speak with the female privately." The King announced.
'Why does the King himself, want to speak to me privately?' Rem wondered.
...
It's been an hour after Rem and Alex were brought to a room that looked very luxurious. Alex stayed in the room as the knights brought Rem to the King's office room. The knight opened the door. Rem entered the room. The knight closed the door behind her. The King was already seated.
"Greeting, Your Majesty." Rem bowed.
"You may take a seat." The King said, sipping his tea.
Rem sat at the opposite side of the King. After a moment of awkward silence, he finally decided to speak.
"Well? What is the mighty Monarch doing here?" The King asked, looking at Rem straight in the eyes.
Rem remained indifferent. Inside, she was wondering what he meant by that. She was also slightly confused.
"What do you mean, Your Majesty?"
"You can drop the honorifics. Tell me. Why did you suddenly appear again?"
"I don't know what you're talking about." Rem replied, perplexed.
She dropped the honorifics as the King told her to. Rem could instantly tell that the face the King gave her was an "Are you serious?" look.
"I'm sure you're him. Your presence is just like his. Did you get reborn while you were away? After all, your presence did disappear for a decade or two. It seems that you're weaker as well."
'Does he know something?'
"Please explain." Rem said, feeling bewildered.
"It can't be helped if you don't remember anything. A century ago, there was a huge war going on. The war lasted for 87 years. It's called the Great War. The Great War involved all kinds of races. It was a battle between three sides. One of the sides is formed with Angels and most of the humans. They're the Gods' side. Another one of the sides is formed with demons and other evil beings. The last side has elves, beastmen, and many supreme and mythical beings, including you in it. The Gods' side wanted to create a new world. The Demon King's side wanted to rule over this world. We just wanted peace." The King began.
"After all these years, the war finally ended. We won, but then you left and disappeared. I couldn't feel your presence anymore until a month ago. I know that the other sides are all preparing for something. I've heard that Arka City had been attacked by the Demons." The King said, sighing.
'Should I tell him about the creatures they're trying to create...? No, I shouldn't. At least not until I know I can trust him.'
{He's not lying.}
'I know. I need to get more information out of him.'
"What do you know about me?"
"You're a great leader. You're cruel and very protective of the people you care about. You have many followers, and whatever you said you would do, it would be achieved. You were extremely strong too." The King said proudly.
"I was...?" Rem raised one of her brows skeptically.
"Yes, you were. You do know that we were once great companions, right?"
'Hm... Doesn't that mean at some point, we weren't companions anymore? He used the past tense. I still don't trust him even though I can't detect any lies from him.'
"I see." Rem mumbled.
"There were a few humans who wanted to meet you. Just so you know, I let their leader in. He should be here by now." The King spoke.
'He did what???' Rem heard the door open.
"I greet the King." A familiar voice said.
Rem turned around, only to meet a familiar figure bowing. It was Lawrence.
"We meet again." Lawrence smiled.
'Oh, shoot...'