Shocking, just after seeing the king, I discovered that there is someone who wants me dead.
Well, I can feel that there is really someone who wants to kill me but I never thought that it would be this different to hear it coming from their mouth.
"Why do you want that monster dead?" It is now me who was speaking.
Talking about being impolite. Who would speak to a king in this manner? Only me!
But despite that positive emotion I have, Mryna, at my side was worried about how I speak.
"Hanzel!" Mryna tried to pull my arms. I just looked at her but since I wear my mask, she can't see my positive expression.
"It's because he is a threat to humankind! By the way, who are you? Clearly, you are not someone who belongs with this lady seeing your flamboyant garments."
I see... So this is really because of my clothes. Perhaps I should sell these in my Shop feature. But sadly, there weren't any apparel selling items.
"Please, you give too good compliments to my servants. But, I want to ask, why do you think you can poison him?"
"Why would I tell it to you? You are not one of my cooks."
Seems like this is getting irritated. Should I show my cards?
"Hm... it just bothers me, why would a king personally conveys it to his people."
"Maybe you don't understand this, but my nation is just a small country. I want my people to feel what I feel towards them."
I see... so this is their way here. I don't despise it. It is still good that there are kings like them. But despite having such a good king, there are still rotten fruits blending in fresh ones.
"Hanzel, please stop this."
I noticed that Mryna is getting worried more. Since I am just a visitor here, maybe she frets about this matter.
I get it. I just tapped Mryan's hands before talking to her.
"It's okay, Mryna. He's clearly telling you to kill someone, and it's not okay for me."
Well, I guess it's enough to quiet her. But I didn't expect her to blush! Wait! Is she getting attracted to me? No, please save that young lady!
"But the person I want her to kill is a monster. It's basically for the greater good."
I raised one eyebrow but it is not visible because of my mask. It made me wonder, how will they poison me? Well, it's not like they knew it was me, but, I just want to get sure. I don't remember promising to attend in one of their gatherings.
"And how will you poison him?"
"In the ceremony. Betrothal ceremony of the Osteria's princess and that demon."
What? Why don't I know this? This is an important matter to me! How will this body of mine, that haven't seen the princess, be married to her?!
Did that king want to marry off her daughter as insurance? Well, I don't expect him to believe my words, but getting to this matter, it's mindblowing!
"Wow... that's something big." I can't even manage to reply descend statement.
"It really is. Now, I want to ask you, who are you? You really intrigues me."
Ho... It's good that he changed the topic. I really don't want to talk about my own marriage that I, myself don't know.
"Me? Just her sponsor."
"Sponsor? So why would you come here?"
"Obviously, to meet the king."
"Then why?"
"It's because I want to make a deal with the king."
After saying that, the king made a thinking expression. More of putting his hands and brush his beard.
"What? Do you think that the king is stupid?"
So he is not stupid? But why in a manner of speaking in third's perspective? Well, I don't care, it's really bothering and suspicious to have the king solo in a room with strangers. Even if it's his citizen.
Things just don't match up. I should probably peek into his cards.
"You clearly said that... And I'm doubting that you are the real king."
He obviously made a surprised expression. He did not expect that on my side.
"What? I am the king!"
"Really? You already said that the king is not stupid. So why would you meet a stranger on your own."
I am trying to uncover this stupid play. Well, it's not like I'm sure he isn't the real king, but still, this is stupid.
One, the king is the most important individual in a monarchy, apart from other forms of monarchy, their monarchy is absolute.
Second, why meet a stranger if you can have a representative?
And last, really, there are no guards around him? Even only a most trusted subordinate, he didn't effort to guard him?
"Ugh. Guards! Get this bastard out!" He exclaimed as guards from the outside entered one by one.
I see... I get it... His guards are outside, but still, it's stupid. Did they not think that maybe the one that will meet the king is an assassin? I know that this is an important matter but still, they are careless.
"H-Hanzel." Mryna at my side was clearly trembling in fear.
Forgive me, Mryna. But I think I should use your help.
"Then what about this girl?" I asked.
"Hanzel?" Mryna made a surprised expression.
I didn't pay heed to her concern then continue to push the king with questions. While the guards are starting to surround me, I raised my chest to the heavens. I won't lose anything with this.
"You can't decide huh? Basically, because you are a fraud king."
"Hmph! Insult me more. Do you think a king would be someone incompetent?"
So it was his reason? Perhaps I underestimated this king. Then that would be clear. Let's say, I am convinced 75%.
Since he was obviously curious about my identity because of my forward attitude, I should use that card.
"Hahaha. Forgive me. Then, I will first introduce myself." The king grinned after hearing that.
"Good. Then, we're good. Guards, step out for now."
The guards started to disperse and disappeared from the room by stepping out.
I faced Mryna once again to share my words.
"Mryna, you're curious about my identity right?"
"Y-yes..." Even hesitating, she said those words.
I nod in response the shifted my attention back to the king.
"Now then, king...?" Waiting for his name.
"Edward Salfarmia V."
So it was his name. Well then, I should also use the name that I used in Olteria capital. I don't know how they have a conversation with each other. But if I say this name, perhaps this king will recognize it.
"Hanzel Go... Lucifarge."
"Luci...! You are the monster?"
The king was astonished by my identity. Well, I didn't remove my mask since I don't want to get discovered. My face, I mean.
"H-Hanzel?"
Mryna on the other hand was also surprised. She may do not think that the person she let stay in their diner was a ruler of a land.
"Forgive me, Mryna. I clearly came here to meet the king. I did not want to lie to you."
But Mryna was speechless. She did not step backward, it was as if she was stunned. Her eyes were clearly widening as her lips were trembling.
"I-if you're really that monster! Why do you wear that kind of body? I thought that it was a young boy's body?"
So that was really an important thing? Well, I'm stupid to think that they don't know this.
"No, no. Before I answer that, I want you to answer. Are you really the king?"
"Why is it important?"
It is! Dumbass!
"Because the deal I want to show is for the future of your country."
Slightly showing my cards.
I want to know if I can trust this king like the Olteria kingdom.
"I see... I am."
"Show me your crest."
"This."
He showed me a crest that a king should have. But I can be sure that he is really the king. Because it is a crime to touch the crest of the most important person in the country.
I started talking about what I need. The first is about what I can offer in exchange. I heard that this country is weak in warfare and magic, and only the thing that makes them survive is their cultivation technique.
"I want to offer you a deal. In exchange for your support in our food supplies, I will offer you power. The power that would help you not be insulted by other countries."
I took the attention of the king. Making it more obvious, I stepped forward slowly then tempted him the power I can offer.
And the only way to offer this power is a blood pact. The ability of my current race to share a portion of my powers. Well, I didn't try this once, but this king could be a possible candidate for this experiment.
"W-why? How did you know that?"
Stunned, the king didn't expect that I knew their weakness. Is he probably underestimating our information capabilities? Well, I myself suffice in data gathering, but still, he is surprised.
"Obviously, I have a power that you don't have." Still tempting him, I slightly showed my inventory then took out my sword.
"I... want to have my people a happy life... But in exchange, I will have to make a deal with a demon?"
He is still doubting me. I can't take that from him.
But inspecting his movements, he is currently experiencing hysterical emotion.
Is he scared that I might betray him? I can't blame him. He's a king, after all. But I want him to believe in my words, for their sake.
"No. Hahaha! I'm not like what people describe. I love life too! In fact, the reason I want to have a deal because I want my people to survive."
"You... you're a monster right?"
He did not expect that this monster in front of him think about his people. It's insulting, but since I caused havoc, fair enough.
"I am. But I can be your friend. It's a mutual benefit right?"
"It is..."
"Do we have a deal?" I asked before sitting back to my sit. Mryna at my side was still quiet, but she is now calmed as she watches our talk.
"But... I need time to think." The king said.
Sure. I'm a benevolent person. Maybe he will use that time to think of how he should betray me. Going back to their alliance, where he learned that information, it is an important matter I should check.
"Sure. But be sure to remember what will happen to your country if you fail to kill me. They will still oppress your country."
I think I knew why did this king want to kill me. It is to save his people. Probably, there is someone who wants to use their forte in foods.
Saying that the betrothal ceremony will be held, it will be the time I should die. But since I knew it now, everything will reverse.
"I know! They are all mocking my country just because we have no other assets other than food supplies." The king exclaimed in anger.
"Time will come that someone will attack you to get that food supplies. And I am here to offer you an equal trade." I said.
"How can I be sure that you won't do the same to us?" The king is still doubting me.
I did it again. I slightly approached him.
"Hahaha. Look at the Olteria. Did I attack them?"
"You did not. But Olteria and my country are different in size and warfare. Obviously, we are easy to attack."
I see... this is really a great king. He knows how to think. I may be underestimating him, I will change my expression about him.
"You are smart, Edward Salfarmia. But why would I come here just to trick you if I can easily wipe you out just what you are afraid of? I can use any cruel methods, yet I am here, building a mutual relationship." I said.
"I understand. I know that you are not like them. Still, give me more time."
"And that time, you won't backstab me? Well, it's useless anyway."
"I know that you are also smart. But how come that you have that body?"
It's not like this is really a secret of me. Perhaps, my people accept my different appearances, well perhaps, they are used to and they knew I have plenty of powers.
But when it comes to disclosing this to others. There's no big deal. They won't even know that this is from my system.
"Well, I have plenty of powers and I can disclose it to you if you choose to side with me."
I will give him power but in exchange, for the food. BUt of course, he will become a dhampir or vampire, it's both. And without his knowledge, he will become my vassal.
"Then... how can you protect me if this got discovered by another nation?"
"Don't worry, Olteria won't attack you and Florans has a much greater problem since my subordinate is living there. Those two won't attack you at least. But I don't know the people in the central part of this continent."
He was thinking... He didn't make any sound for a moment as if he was patching up every information he has.
I can't blame him, he's a leader and it's his duty to choose the best choice. But when it comes to this, will he not be tempted?
"I understand... Then when will you expect my answer?"
"Whoa... Okay! Hahaha. I thought that you will be the one who'll decide but yeah, I don't have much time. Perhaps the day you are supposed to poison me."
This betrothal ceremony really bothers me. Olteria didn't even wait for my confirmation or giving me any clue about it. They really want to corner me huh. But who planned for this?
If this poisoning that should happen is from Olteria, who? I can't really tell if it was the king, but I don't know if I can trust him.
If this country shortened my patience, it's their problem. I'm just being benevolent for them. I want to fix it with my brain, not with strength since I find flaws in that method.
"Okay. I understand." The king said.
"But wait, who recommended you to poison me?" I asked.
"No one. Just myself. Maybe if I can have the prize, my people will live easier."
I couldn't help but giggle. To think that this kind of courageous person will be in front of me. I don't know if he is just stupid or confident of himself. But I can tell, he is a righteous king.
"Hahaha. A cunning person. I don't hate it. Then, I'll take my leave." I said before standing. I looked back to Mryna who was still confused and lightheaded.
"You are already going, Hanzel?" She asked.
I really don't know what to feel, but somewhat, it made me sad for a moment. That was really a short acquaintance. I think this young lady will be great in the future.
"Yes. Sorry for the short acquaintance. But, I hope that we'll meet in the future."
I don't want to go home yet, but, I know that I have no choice. I can even see that Mryna is making a downed expression.
"I hope so."