"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 late once they cross out borders and pillage our lands! You must make a decision as soon as possible!" ［Duke］
Yapper and Chatter rocked the room, sharp and ludicrous barks ringing all over the place. A bald man yelled and expressed his words to the top of his lungs, his saliva hurling everywhere like a broken fountain, disgusting as can be.
The sun was still high in the sky and the castle was still standing proud. Yet despite the peaceful and calm scenery outside, the inside of the throne room was a complete war zone, two heads butting against each other, each trying to maintain composure.
One side was the Duke, his remarks sharp and rabid like a feral dog, trying to wage war against their Neighboring 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 understand that you're worried for this country, 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 no better proof than that?!" ［Duke］
"That is still under investigation, Duke." ［King］
"What more is there to investigate?! Both the insignia of their Royal Knights and equipment only produced in Ritz were found in the scene!" ［Duke］
"Duke! Lower your voice! You are being insolent towards His Majesty!" ［???］
Three figures stood in the heated battlefield, not one wanting to bend their knees to the other. Such a fierce exchange of words occurred, even sharper than the clashing of swords as veins popped out of their necks from anger.
The King's eyes lingered towards the Duke, dark and negative thoughts springing up on his mind. It had just been a couple minutes since he arrived, and the first thing he talked about was declaring war. It only made his head ache even harder.
"Insolent?! I am only worried about our Kingdom! Should we move even a minute too late, 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 relationship 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 one taking 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 opponent kept their mouths shut and tried to recompose themselves. It was unwise to 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 own right. The King who ended the 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 lands as well. It was he who ended the 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 considers his enemies. In the battlefield, he alone killed several thousand enemy knights and soldiers with his sword and dyed the once green plains red.
It was a horrific sight where the lands were redder than the sky during sunset, the enemies shaking in fear just by the mention of his name. It was then that he earned the 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 Arslan til Schemer, one of the only 2 dukes of the Kingdom. A man whose arrogance knows no bounds, using his glib tongue to triumph over others. A greedy man who'll do what it takes to come out on top.
Before the Civil War, his status was only that of a Count's, but after supplying all sorts of weapons and equipment to the King's side, and eradicating several families which opposed them, he was awarded the title of "Duke" for his efforts.
"I apologize, Your Majesty. I have gone too far. I swear to bear any punishment once this is all over. I ask for your forgiveness." ［???］
As for the other gentleman present in the room, his name was Douglas til Cavidel. A man who has served the King during the Civil War and also the sharp sword which accompanied 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 whenever the 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." ［Arslan］
"I am forever grateful for your grace, Your Majesty." ［Douglas］
All seemed calm and everything seemed normal. However, they were all still staring daggers into one another, the Duke and the Captain of the Royal Guards ready to cut one another's throat as soon as they were let loose.
"Duke, I understand 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 chance to build up their army and finish them once and for all." ［Arslan］
"That's impossible. No matter how much and 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 comes 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," ［Arslan］
The King had been trying to indirectly convey his disapproval of the idea, but it always went over the Duke's head... No, rather, he was intentionally ignoring the meaning behind his words, acting very stubborn.
He wasn't just rude and arrogant, he was very insolent. Inside the castle where the King's words are absolute, he was acting as if he was higher than the latter, his eyes filled with pride, not a single trace of fear painted in his eyes.
"What do you think, Your Majesty? All the pieces are already in place. All we need is your approval, and we can start the war." ［Arslan］
"That I cannot do, Duke... This is something that needs critical thinking and long decisions. This is something I cannot decide alone." ［Philip］
"Your Majesty, you are the most powerful person in the Kingdom. Who would dare stop you? Your words are the law, and we must follow." ［Arslan］
"Duke... I am a King, not a Tyrant. Know the difference," ［Philip］
The Duke stepped on a landmine 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 control yourself." ［Douglas］
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 composure when the King's eyes returned to normal, not an ounce of tension in the air.
"I apologize for that, Duke. I was swept away by my emotions." ［Philip］
"There's no need to apologize, Your Majesty. It was I who overstepped my bounds. Such a punishment was only deserved." ［Arslan］
"I see... Then it seems we've come to an understanding. However... About the war, I will think on that matter separately. I will give you my reply once I have decided. I hope you understand, Duke." ［Philip］
"Of course, Your Majesty. This one understands." ［Arslan］
Or so he says, but the bald man could barely hide his anger and dissatisfaction, his face contorted from rage. 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," ［Arslan］
"Farewell, Duke. I hope you have a safe return." ［Grey］
"Huhuhu. Your Majesty truly is a caring person." ［Arslan］
Just like that, the heated and dangerous audience had come to an end and the Duke soon took his leave, his face still painted with disappointment as he headed out of the throne room, steps heavy as can 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 in the throne room. It was only then that true peace and silence swallowed the room.
"Haah... How exhausting... I really didn't want to deal with him..." ［Philip］
"Good job for holding out, Your Majesty." ［Douglas］
"What can I do? Even if I'm the King, there are still things I need to consider and people I need to 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." ［Douglas］
"Yeah. That sounds like a good idea. Please do, Douglas." ［Philip］
"Understood, Your Majesty." ［Douglas］
It was only when the Duke was finally gone that the King and Captain of the Royal Guards could relax themselves, conversing 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 blades and twisting his body until the sound of cracking bones filled the throne room. It was a tiring day and he just wants to resign to his chambers for a deep sleep.
"Still... The Duke, huh... He really is a big problem, Your Majesty." ［Douglas］
"That's correct. However, there is nothing we can do about it. Even if he looks like a stupid bastard, he's very clean on his tracks." ［Philip］
"I apologize for still being unable to get undeniable evidence, Your Majesty. It is all due to my incompetence." ［Douglas］
"Don't think too much about it. It's just how the way it is." ［Philip］
The Duke of Schemer, one of the largest contributors in the Civil War and the second most influential person after the King. It was all because of his glorious contributions 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. In reality, he not only supplied equipment to the King, but to the enemies as well, asking for an absurd sum of money and earning a large 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, planting evidence to justify all his actions 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." ［Douglas］
"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 countries engage in a long struggle and take heaps of damage over time until they're barely functional.
It is then when the Duke will use his hidden power and influence to more a large force and 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 one after another to grow his own Empire. Such was the grand and ambitious goal of the Duke, his arrogance not 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?" ［Douglas］
CLACK CLACK CREAAAKKKKKK
And just when everything 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 confused 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 expecting, his heart sinking into further confusion and panic. His eyes opened in shock, his heart raced from anxiety, and...
"What did you just say?!" ［Philip］
... His words rocked the halls.
...
The room was peaceful, beautiful paintings hung throughout the walls, artistic vases and sculptures displayed atop the pedestals, magnificent furniture all over the place, 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 comfortable house for a family.
There, two figures laid in wait, enjoying their time together and taking in the peace of the place. One was sitting down on the sofa, enjoying a cup of tea, while the other was lying down, her head on his lap, reading a novel ever so comfortably.
"Yuna, you shouldn't be doing this, you know? This is still the Royal Castle. Other people will consider that rude." ［Grey］
"Mou... Who cares about them, I just want to relax 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 Viscount the visit, and after cleaning 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 inside the Royal Castle, waiting for an audience with the King. They have already sworn to not associate with nobles as much as possible, but now that they've decided to clean up the trash, there's only so much they could do.
After all, if they want to change the Kingdom, they need to start with the very top who runs the place. Otherwise, all their efforts would be useless and more trash will just keep on piling and take the place of their predecessors.
"Grey... About the King... Do you think we can 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 which one is it?" ［Yuna］
Of course, such a plan 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 denied, there are always many ways to go about it. They could just take matters into their own hands, or they could use a bit of "convincing". Grey only hopes it doesn't come to the latter.
"Haah... I wanted to explore the capital too... What a shame..." ［Yuna］
"Let's explore it later then. There's a sea nearby so maybe we can go sunset viewing once the day is over. We could also cook up a feast as well." ［Grey］
"Mmn～! I love the sound of that! Un! Let's do that!" ［Yuna］
Grey and Yuna had already planned on visiting the Royal Capital, Cargellion, during their stay in Aldengard, but never did they think they would be arriving on the place in such a way, with heavy circumstances burdening them.
Forget about dates, they may not even have free time to play around once they get back home or enjoy each other's company for a while. There are still long and busy days ahead of them, and they aren't looking forward to it one bit.
CLOP CLOP CLOP CLOP
"Yuna, get ready. It seems we already have an answer." ［Grey］
It hasn't even been 10 minutes since they've arrived and Grey has yet to finish his cup of tea. Yet the sound of footsteps already started echoing 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 of urgency in his eyes, obviously out of breath and panting ever so heavily. He soon opened the doors.
"P-P-Pardon me, Your Highnesses! 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 two were given the audience they wanted and it seems like the King is looking forward to meeting them as well.
"Understood. 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 and led them towards the throne room, walking though many corridors and buildings on the way there, a multitude of scenes greeting them warmly.
But perhaps the most eye-catching scene was that of the bald man who was kicking up a fuss and was shouting towards the servants as if he owns the place. He was clearly a noble, but his actions don't match one's.
"Hmm... That is..." ［Yuna］
"That's Duke Schemer, Your Highness. Please avoid eye contact with him as much as possible. He doesn't really have the most pleasant of personalities."
It was none other than Duke Schemer, now lashing 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 action.
It didn't fake long before they arrived at the throne room, yet another grand pair of doors greeting them with intricate carvings laced out on the surface, and a handful of knights guarding standing guard from both sides.
"The Royal Guests, Lord Grey and Lady Yuna are entering!"
The doors were soon opened, and the light shone on the throne 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 black 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
[Combat Power]1,578 [Threat Level]B
[Attribute]Lightning [Magic Proficiency]High (56%)
[Class]Swordsman [Weapon Proficiency]High (55%)
[Physical Enhancement]59%
[Ability]『Fair Judgement (3☆)』
-----------------------------------
[Salferine]
[Name]Douglas til Cavidel
[Race]Human
[Sex]Male
[Age]43
[Status]Healthy
[Mana Capacity]1,834 [Mana Quality]B
[Combat Power]2,892 [Threat Level]A
[Attribute]Dark [Magic Proficiency]High (57%)
[Class]Swordsman [Weapon Proficiency]High (68%)
[Physical Enhancement]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 for Grey to acknowledge 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 balance between them. They 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, we apologize, Your Majesty. It was an urgent matter we needed to discuss, so we didn't have enough time to send you a letter beforehand." ［Grey］
"No, it is fine. This isn't the first time I experienced this, after all." ［Philip］
It was sudden, but the King seemed fine with it. He hasn't just been a King for a day, but for several years. Sudden and unreasonable visits from merchants and nobles are a staple, and something he has grown accustomed 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 and retributions towards them. He was an understanding King, but he was not one so merciful, he'll forgive 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 quick instant, the feeling of intimidation and domination sweeping all over the place, Douglas' eyes glowing a sharp and serious glint.
A truly explosive greeting!... Literally!
CHAPTER 418 END