With the five heading to the palace on foot, they struck up a conversation with the rarely-seen Noel.
"How have you been lately, Noel?" Yuuji, always the conversation starter, began as soon as they left their house.
"Fine," Noel simply responded. "More importantly, I want to hear about the centipede battle."
"Wait, were you not there at the examination?" Kaze asked, considering he was knocked out or kept preoccupied half the time. "You are a first-year too, aren't you?"
"Yes, but then it was decided I need not participate in that part of the exam," Noel nodded with a frustrated groan. "If only I was a bit more stubborn to Dad, I would have been able to force him to make me participate."
"Haha, you seem like you really wanted to face off against the centipede, Noel," Lunaria giggled at this. "Why were you rejected from participating in the first place?"
"Because my Dad deemed I was too strong to fight the others in this event," Noel pouted. "I was trained by the knight commander, being my Dad, since young, so it is understandable why I was forbidden from it. However…. What a wasted chance!"
"You have to get used to this," Yuuji sweatdropped. "As much as I don't want to admit it, Noel can be a bit of a battle junkie at times. In the first place, not many girls would be so enthusiastic with fighting in the first place. Noel even left her hair at shoulder-length so it wouldn't get in the way of her fighting."
"You seem to know a lot about each other," Kaze smiled at their obvious friendship. "Were you two childhood friends too?"
"Even more so than with Chris and Irene," Yuuji nodded. "I said before that I knew the two since middle school, but I knew Noel since we were 5."
"Around 4 to be exact, but 5 because it was your birthday when I was introduced to you," Noel recounted the event with a sigh. "I remember that you were so polite to me at the time that I mistook you for an adult in a child's body."
"Being polite is one of the essences of being royalty, after all. I received such training from the start so it is normal for these sorts of interactions to happen too," Yuuji laughed at Noel's reaction. "Kaze, you probably aren't familiar to the technicalities, but you don't have to worry. Since we are having a close discussion, you can be a little more informal. Just act like you usually do and you will be fine."
"Oh… is His Majesty fine with it?" Kaze asked, feeling slightly concerned. "But if you said it's fine, then I suppose it's fine."
"By right, we are supposed to be formal and all," Yuuji explained. "But I specifically requested it to be a private meeting due to some of us being unfamiliar or being unable to hold a comfortable discussion together."
"I see, that is fine too," Lunaria nodded. "I hope His Majesty does not treat us any different from how he treats you, Yuuji."
"Father and Mother are both very kind people, but they have to put up a tough front in front of the Chancellors and Advisors," Yuuji continued. "With us, they should be open and happy to talk too. We will be able to discuss this matter with absolute secrecy."
More time passed and they soon arrived at the front gates of the palace.
With both Yuuji and Noel with them, the guards at the gates easily allowed them to pass. Even though Kaze, Lunaria and Mitsui were subjected to a simple body check, it was still enough to show that they didn't have any problems that prohibited them from entering.
"A palace is a palace, alright. This place looks like its own world," Kaze gulped, looking around at the front yard they were currently walking past to reach the front of the palace.
"Thank you for the praise. Most of us grew up around here so it is rather normal to us at this point," Yuuji wryly smiled. "What about you Lunaria? Do you mind comparing notes with us and Aravel?"
"Hmm, it definitely looks very appealing but the only difference is the layout," Lunaria nodded. "Us dragonkins are able to transform into dragons after all. With carriages that require the control of wyverns and for emergency situations, we have an area big enough for us to take off. In Czech, it is likely because you are only subjected to horse-drawn carriages that you have a smaller walkway."
"Wyverns? You can control wyverns?" Mitsui felt baffled by what Lunaria said.
"Aren't they beasts who tend to flock in a hoard? How do you even train one?" Noel was also rather curious by Lunaria's statement.
"That is dragonkin secret," Lunaria winked. "If I were to tell you, I would have to kill you~"
"Geh…"
At the front of the huge palace, there stood a butler already waiting for them. Yuuji exchanged a few words with him before the butler bowed and led the way.
Passing by the official entrance to the palace, Kaze immediately noticed guards standing on all corners and both sides of the walkway. With multiple room entrances and stairs, Kaze knew that the palace was going to be a bad place to get lost at since it was so huge. It was almost like a district of its own, considering it had huge halls for events and dances. Paintings and priceless artifacts hung from the walls as well as displayed themselves on pedestals. How much money it costed for even one single painting was so astronomically high that Kaze got a little dizzy thinking of how much its worth was.
They walked a little longer down the hallway, going up a stair or two every corner they turned before finally arriving at what seemed to be the King's personal working space. It was natural that it would take such a long walk along with such strict security, considering they were about to meet the ruler of the nation himself. They even got a little tired from all the walking necessary since this was their first time here.
"Father," Yuuji called out to the King and knocked on the door. "It's me. I have brought my friends over."
The door slowly creaked open on its own due to magic. Looking at the office from an outside view, it was almost like a huge secluded room in which the King was even more heavily guarded than before. Kaze could tell there were countless guards hiding in view, spells placed all over the place, even possibly an emergency escape in place if the King was under attack. Aside from that, the inside looked really comfortable for an office. The only downside was probably the lack of windows since it would be unsafe if that happened.
Sitting at the very end of the room where his desk was located was none other than the King himself. Adorned in a formal attire, he gave off a very intimidating aura even from afar. His crown was placed aside on the table, probably something that would only be worn during events and meeting with other people. Behind him was a huge shelf of books with the occasional displays of medals and trophies scattered here and there. It had the impression of it being both neat and messy at the same time.
More on the King himself, he was younger than Kaze had expected. Other than him brimming with life, the stubble on his chin gave off the false impression of him being someone who looked older than he actually was. What's more, the King had a giant sword leaning against the wall next to him in a scabbard. This made Kaze surprised, but then looking at the King again, it probably made sense. Similar to Chris, the King had a build that showed off someone in their later prime years. With a neat cut of his blonde hair that resembled those in the military, his sideburns were shaved clean and left only the top and back for his hair to grow.
"Oh, Yuuji," the King looked up from his pile of documents and waved his hand, closing the door behind them. "May I know who your friends are?"
"Yes father. You already know Mitsui and Noel, so I will introduce Kaze and Lunaria," Yuuji placed a hand on his chest and politely bowed. "Lunaria… Lunaria Sven Rentaria is the eldest princess of the Aravel royal family. She was also the one whom father had met the time she came over with the Empress of Aravel. As for Kaze, he simply goes by the single name Kaze."
"It's alright Yuuji," Kaze smiled when he noticed his friend struggling to introduce them. "Your Majesty, it is a pleasure to meet you face-to-face for the first time. Coming from the north of Tristania from a secluded small town, I arrive at Tristania to study."
"Ho… Indeed, I have met Lunaria-san before, but never Kaze-san," the King mused at Kaze's introduction and smiled back at him. "I'm the King of the nation of Czech, Ethan Dues Bivel. It is a pleasure to meet you for the first time too, Kaze-san."
"Um… would you like us to address Your Majesty as Sir Ethan or Your Majesty?" Lunaria asked, wondering if it was alright in an informal setting."
"Sir Ethan would do. It is rather fun to be able to finally talk to some of Yuuji's friends for once," Ethan nodded and waved his hand once more.
Instantly, couches appear in place in the middle of the room for them to sit together along with a coffee table. Seeing that they were being invited to sit, the five took the offer.
"Uncle, it has been so long," Mitsui grinned and hugged Ethan tightly.
"Indeed it has, Mitsui," Ethan rubbed his niece's head and laughed out loud. "Is my sister doing alright?"
"Yes, mother is fine," Mitsui nodded. "She asked me to remind you to not work too hard."
"Ohh, let her know that if she wants to say something, do come to the palace sometimes," Ethan chuckled. "It is lonely here. Well, let's talk."
Sitting down opposite the group, Mitsui and Yuuji both took the armchairs on the left and right of Ethan while Noel sat with Mitsui. This left Kaze and Lunaria to sit next to each other, directly facing the King. Now that he was able to make a comparison, Kaze could tell that Yuuji really did look like Ethan when he was young, except with way less muscles perhaps.
At the same time, the door opened once more and this time it was a girl who entered. She was well-endowed with beauty and manners, her long golden locks flowing behind her. Dressed in what seemed to be high-quality clothing, her dark blue iris reflected excitement when faced with so many new people in the room.
"Yuuji!" She giggled and jumped into his grasp, causing Yuuji to chuckle.
"Mia, how many times do I have to tell you to introduce yourself to the guests first if there are people?" Yuuji stroked his fiancé's head and exchanged a quick kiss. "Sorry everyone, this is Miavyusse Revya Arnau, my fiancé."
"Before we start, Kaze-san, wait, may I call you Kaze?" Ethan asked. "The same question applies to you too, Lunaria-san."
"Nice to meet you Kaze, Lunaria," Mia bowed politely before continuing to cuddle with Yuuji in his chair.
"Yes, please," Kaze gulped, wondering why the King specifically called him out while Lunaria nodded in return. "May I know if there is anything I can assist with?"
"No, I was about to ask. I noticed you staring at my sword since we first came into the room," Ethan gestured behind him. "Are you interested?"
"Um, yes," Kaze nodded honestly. "I was a little surprised that you used the sword, Sir Ethan."
"Ah, many people don't know that," Ethan waved it off lightly. "I used to be a swordsman before I was in line to the heir, but that's not what we are here to talk about."
"Wait Uncle, didn't you say that you took an arrow to the knee?" Mitsui corrected the King with a vicious smile. "Mother told me that you were barely selected to become the heir if not for your achievements."
"M-Mitsui, please," Ethan turned pale instantly at her words and smiled nervously. "Let me do the talking here. You can tell your stories later. As I was saying, I trained with the sword. That piece of metal right there is my trusty partner."
"I believe that is a lot more than a simple piece of metal, Sir Ethan," Kaze relaxed as the tensed atmosphere was broken by Mitsui. "My grandfather would have called it 'a masterpiece'."
"You are very good with your way with words, Kaze. That is one of the qualities of what it takes to be a successful leader, but that is beside the point," Ethan laughed. "I would love to meet your grandfather someday. So, Kaze, are you a commoner or an orphan?"
"Orphan, sir. My grandfather is simply my caretaker who taught me how to grow up in church," Kaze answered. "Please excuse the lack of a surname."
"It's fine. Formalities are overrated, but if my wife hears that, it's the end of me…" Ethan looked around nervously before resuming the conversation. "Um, Kaze, I heard from my son that you are actually the one who slayed the giant centipede. Uhh, Tauzenpod, was it?"
"Yes sir. While it is true that I slain the Tauzenpod, it was actually Lunaria here who dealt most of the damage and weakened it," Kaze gestured to Lunaria, who sat beside him. "The core of the Tauzenpod was somehow able to regenerate itself and enabled it to be revived once more."
"I see. Your words match the report given to me by one of the committee research members, but it is unfortunate we don't have physical evidence other than the destruction of the ground," Ethan mused. "The centipede had been completely obliterated, leaving only huge traces of mana and a bunch of holes in the ground. I heard it was quite the hassle to tend to the missing piece of forest area where the battle took place. Oh no, I don't mean it as though I blame you for it. If anything, I should be the one thanking you and Lunaria for saving my son and the other students."
"Sir, is it possible to give Kaze some credit?" Lunaria blurted out, unable to hold back any longer. "The school principal decided-"
"Yes, Aldwolf told me the results too," Ethan nodded at Lunaria's words. "However, I agree with Aldwolf. I'm sorry Lunaria, even your mother, the Empress herself, can't convince me. Laevia-san brought up the topic with me too."
"W-Why….?" Lunaria gulped. "It's unfair that I took most of the credit for it…"
"Lunaria, think about it objectively," Ethan stared at her with a hard gaze. "You are a princess, so you should know what it would mean if we announced that a mere commoner is able to defeat something that even a high-level swordsman would struggle at. What impact would it have to the community as well as the country itself?"
"Yes, but there are ways that we can announce the news itself," Lunaria stood her ground properly. "If it is related to the nobles, then I have a few suggestions on my own."
"Unfortunately, that isn't up to me to decide," Ethan sighed. "This remains under the authority of Aldwolf and the school itself. As much as I understand your feelings, I still stand by not publicly announcing Kaze to be a huge contributor."
"It's alright Lunaria, I don't mind," Kaze smiled at Lunaria, who was getting agitated for himself. "As long as everyone is safe. Plus, you were the one who killed it first."
"B-But!"
"How about this? 100 points to Kaze as a private agreement," the King snapped his fingers. "It's not like I don't acknowledge Kaze for being able to defeat something like the centipede, but we can't convince the public it happened. The backlash on Kaze is something far worse than we can imagine, no matter how much you try to avoid it. Do you really want that to happen to your friend, Lunaria?"
At the King's words, Lunaria fell silent. It was true that she already expected something like this to happen, but she figured there was at least room for negotiation. Who knew that she didn't even get the chance to help decide something like that?
"As I suggested, 100 points. We can even make it 200 if you want Kaze," Ethan said, turning to Kaze. "That way, we can at least get you on the ranking of the school. It is unfair too, in my opinion, if your real abilities are suppressed because of scores."
"Um… sir, you believe I can defeat the centipede?" Kaze asked in disbelief. "I heard that many eyewitnesses chose not to include me."
"Yes, but that was because of the miasma itself," Ethan nodded. "The obstruction of the view only left them to believe it was Lunaria again. However, when my own son and Lunaria herself has voiced their concerns, I have the reason to doubt their words, don't you think? My son wouldn't lie over something so petty, neither would the victim herself."
At his words, both Yuuji and Lunaria smiled proudly at Kaze, happy that he was able to get recognition from the King himself. It was an extraordinary feat, whether or not it was publicly admitted.
"But that aside, you really don't look like you are able to even fight," Ethan laughed out loud before standing up. "Please stand and remove your top."
At his words, Kaze knew why Ethan would say something like that. Even though it was only a confirmation for his own, Kaze knew that he was treating this matter seriously instead of just complying for the sake of not wanting to bring up this issue again. This said a lot about the character of the King, especially with him being an ex-swordsman.
Removing his shirt, Kaze held it aside and showed off his body. The King's eyes flickered a light of admiration for a moment there while he observed Kaze's build. Mia let out a small embarrassed cry, Noel simply smiled, Mitsui made a somewhat surprised 'hmm' at Kaze's body exposure, Yuuji didn't seem to mind it and Lunaria remained staring at the King.
"You don't seem very surprised, Sir Ethan," Kaze gulped, wondering why he was being silent. "Um…"
"No, no, I am surprised. Your outside looks are very deceiving in nature," Ethan nodded, gesturing for Kaze to flex his arms a little. "Ho, nicely done. You have trained well with the sword. Not only are you properly built, but also give off the impression that you are one of the stronger people in your batch that I have seen. Then again, I could be quite wrong since I was also deceived when you first came in."
"Father, I don't know about being one of the stronger ones, but Kaze here doesn't use magic to fight," Yuuji explained. "He can conjure pure magic and incorporate it into his fighting style."
"Oh, pure magic? That sounds very interesting," Ethan nodded at this. "You have further piqued my curiosity, Kaze. Not many people are aware of using pure magic to fight because you have to be fundamentally brought up from young. Otherwise, it requires some sort of abnormality for you to be able to use pure magic."
"Yes, my grandfather was the one who taught me to use pure magic," Kaze nodded at his words. "It is unfortunate that I am unable to cast magic as well as the average person."
"I'm not surprised. One reason for that is because you are already accustomed to using pure magic instead," Ethan smiled and walked over to his sword. "Kaze, if you don't mind, would you like to spar with me?"
"S-Spar, sir?" Kaze widened his eyes at the King's words.
"Yes. Sword fight, train, face off, duel, however else you like to call it," Ethan turned around, strapping the scabbard to his back. "Are you not comfortable with it?"
"Um, sir, I… don't have a sword," Kaze timidly admitted. "Mine broke when I fought against the centipede."
"Ah, I see," Ethan smiled. "That wouldn't be a problem. Yuuji, you know what to do. I will meet you at the grounds after letting them know you are going to choose a sword."
"Yes father," Yuuji stood up. "Kaze, follow me. Everyone else, please follow either Mia or my father. He will guide you to the fighting grounds."
"Oh, then most of us know where that is other than Lunaria," Mitsui turned to the dragonkin princess. "Come on, we can go ahead first."
Just like that, Kaze was about to fight against the King of Czech.