Heavy and overbearing, the Captain of the Royal Guard's aura spread throughout the throne room, the man standing firm and tall as he directed the pressure towards Grey and Yuna, his eyes gleaming sharp and serious, his breath silent as the wind.
It was heavy enough that even the King felt uncomfortable under it. The aura wasn't even directed at him, yet he felt quite repressed, his body stiffening a little. Had he been a normal person, he would have already been crawling on the ground.
Well that is usually the case. However, don't mention crawling, Grey and Yuna didn't even flinch at the sudden burst of intimidation thrown towards them, they stood still, eyes unfazed, and unaffected by the crushing waves of mana.
『Hmm... It's been quite some time since we were last greeted like this, hasn't it? Has been been a few months already?』 ［Grey］
『Fufufu! That's right! I think it was back when we were still at Avalon.』 ［Yuna］
『Was it? Did no one try to intimidate us at Xeros?』 ［Grey］
They were so unaffected, in fact, that they were just casually chatting telepathically as if it was the most normal thing in the world. After all, it wasn't the first time they were subjected to such. Only Gaston was able to surprise them the first time.
Of course, Grey and Yuna knew full well what was going on before them. The King was not threatening, rather, he was testing them. Tests Grey and Yuna had already read in quite a lot of novels. It was fun from time to time.
『Then, should we respond in kind, Milady?』 ［Grey］
A sweet yet scary smile on his face, Grey coaxed Yuna into a little mischief and in response to the Captain of the Royal Guard's provocation, they too, released their own aura, sweeping forth towards the room like a silent flood.
It was several magnitudes heavier and more domineering than the latter's, a wave of suffocating pressure bearing down on his shoulder. His face quickly turned pale and his body started quivering, the King also feeling a slight heaviness in his heart.
Without a single doubt, the two of them passed the King's test with flying colors, all the doubts now swept away as he looked carefully at the two youths before them. He soon raised his hands and asked them to rein in their auras.
"I apologize for that, Archduke Grey, Archduchess Yuna. Please be merciful to my knight. He was only following my command." ［Philip］
"Fufufu! Did we pass the test, Your Majesty?" ［Yuna］
"Of course. There's no doubt about it." ［Philip］
With his words clearly resonating throughout the halls, the power balance was then firmly established, two parties standing before one another at equal footing, not one greater or lesser than the other.
The King had initially doubted Grey and Yuna's identities, but having a taste of their powers first hand, there's no way could still remain suspicious of them. However, he was still on his toes, probing to see which side of the bridge they stood on.
"Are you alright, Douglas?" ［Philip］
"I am more than fine, Your Majesty. Just... A little out of breath." ［Douglas］
However, the same couldn't be said for Douglas. He who has been directly subjected to the aura of Grey and Yuna now knew how big the difference between he and the two are, his body still trembling from the taste of their power.
He could only recall a single time where he felt such a sensation. It was when he was with the General in the battlefields of the Civil War. She is an S-ranker and also one of their honorable allies who overturned the war. He relived such a memory.
"I apologize for the late introduction. My name is Philip til Vareon Aldengard. The current King of Aldengard, and this is..." ［Philip］
"I am Douglas til Cavidel. It's a pleasure to meet such great figures." ［Douglas］
"The pleasure is ours. I am Grey of the Adventurer Party, Aster. I pay my respects to the heroic pillars of Aldengard." ［Grey］
"Yuna, of Aster. It's wonderful to meet you, Your Majesty, Sir Doglas." ［Yuna］
Like any other meeting, what came first after the "greetings" was their introductions, the King and Captain of the Royal Guards welcoming Grey and Yuna, and the two accepting their goodwill and paying them their respects.
"But Aster, huh... I apologize if this sounds rude, but... I don't think I have heard of such a party... Have you, Douglas?" ［Philip］
"I am afraid I, too, am ignorant of this as well, Your Majesty." ［Douglas］
"Hahaha. That's only a matter of course. After all, we came from a very distant place, and it hasn't been very long since we started adventuring." ［Grey］
"A very distant place... Would you mind telling us which country it is?" ［Philip］
"Of course... It is the Kingdom of Alfrione, Your Majesty." ［Grey］
Shock. Such was the only thing that came towards the two as they heard Grey's answer. After all, though far away, they also participate in diplomatic relations and trade with Alfrione, even visiting one another's country from time to time.
It was no wonder they haven't heard of such names. It was only natural since the two literally came from another continent. The heroic tales of the two have yet to reach the continent of Vartes and have yet to spread far.
Though, only one thing was the King sure about. They weren't just ordinary people. It wasn't just their strength and power as S-rankers, but their bravado and calmness as well. He was sure it wasn't the first time they met Royalty.
"Alfrione, huh... It must have been quite a tiring journey. Would you like to rest before we continue with this meeting?" ［Philip］
"We appreciate the concern, Your Majesty. However, I believe what we will be talking about is very urgent. I hope you understand." ［Grey］
"I see... It can't be helped then... So, what is it that you want to talk about, Archduke Grey, Archduchess Yuna?" ［Philip］
The King asked and the atmosphere in the room suddenly changed completely. It was as if he had become a completely different person, his once friendly eyes now gleaming with nothing but seriousness in the face of the two.
However, it was more than perfect for Grey and Yuna. The last thing they wanted to do was waste such precious and valuable time with idle talk when there was so much at stake, especially the lives of many. In response...
⟨⟨Barrier⟩⟩ ［Grey］
... Grey erected a barrier all throughout the room, completely isolating it from the outside world, from sounds all the way to mana fluctuations. Not even flies can enter the room, much less people who wants to eavesdrop,
"This is?! Whatー" ［Douglas］
"Ah, please don't worry. I just set up a barrier to prevent people from eavesdropping. The last thing we want is people listening in on us, after all." ［Grey］
The King and the Captain of the Royal Guards wanted to retort against his words, but they couldn't even open their mouths. Not only was it the truth, even if they did have the intention to harm them, they wouldn't be able to escape anyway.
Now, the two of them have no other choice left but to listen to Grey and Yuna's words. Even if they're not experts on barrier magic, even they could easily tell how high its level was. And as for what Grey used that opportunity for...
"If you would permit it.... We would like to eradicate House Schemer from the surface of the world, Your Majesty." ［Grey］
... He decided to drop a massive bomb which was sure to grab their attention. The atmosphere of the room once again changed, both the King and his trusted aide flinching at the ringing of his words.
The young man worded it out calmly and clearly, but the contents of his words were nothing but peaceful. They were words not even the King would dare utter out loud so thoughtlessly, the man's hands now slightly trembling.
"Archduke Grey... You do realize what you just said, don't you?" ［Philip］
"I do, Your Majestyー Ah, maybe it's better to make it clear right now... Not just the House of Schemer, but several other houses as well. We are planning to eradicate them before the month ends." ［Grey］
"Crazy... Are you insane?!" ［Philip］
It wasn't a request, it was a notice. Grey had clearly worded out their intent for the other party to not misunderstand. No matter what the King's response will be, they would proceed with their goal with firm resolve in their hearts.
It was no different from a declaration of war to an entire country, the King unable to keep his real thoughts to himself as he tried to rein in the shock from the young man's words and tried to maintain his reason in front of such insanity.
『Grey, the King looks agitated...』 ［Yuna］
『Don't worry Yuna. Just trust me.』 ［Grey］
It was reckless, but it was the best method Grey and Yuna could think of. Rather than wasting their time with formalities and such, they'd rather start moving no matter what conclusion the King and his retainers come up with.
Even if they oppose the proposal, they will be forced to act once Grey and Yuna start their eradication spree, and sooner or later, more evidence will be explored. Being labeled as crazy was a cheap price for the safety of many.
The only problem here is the safety of the citizens once they start their rampage. It was something they decided to leave to the Kingdom. If the King truly treasures his citizens, he would then move the knights to protect the citizens be it from the Evil Duke or from themselves.
Even if things turn for the worse, all it would do is stain their reputation. With their strength the way it is, there was no way a single Kingdom could take care of them. It was a bold and risky method only crazy people would think about.
"We are still in our right mind, Your Majesty. However... I don't think we could say the same for Duke Schemer and his followers. Though,.. I do believe you already know of their crimes, correct?" ［Grey］
"This is not a joking matter, Archduke. If you don't have any proofー" ［Philip］
"We have proof, Your Majesty... We have solid and irrefutable proof of their crimes. This is the last thing you need, no?" ［Grey］
The King was about to retort against Grey's insanity, but before he could, Grey shut him up with the things he has been searching for ever since. The things that he, the King, couldn't even get his hands on, are now in the hands of some mere youths.
Without wasting another precious second, Grey quickly took out a storage ring from his Inventory and threw it towards the King. The latter caught it without a problem, his eyes scrutinizing it with doubt and curiosity.
"This is?" ［Philip］
"That's our proof, Your Majesty... Records, papers, ledgers, contracts, and everything you could imagine, it is all stored there. With that, I'm sure you would understand why I gave such a proposal." ［Grey］
"That's a bold declaration, Archduke." ［Philip］
"Hahaha. I'll take that as a compliment." ［Grey］
The King's face was filled with doubt and confusion, but Grey remained unfazed all the same. It was as if he was just toying with the King, dragging him to his flow and making sure he gets caught up in his plans, unable to deny his proposal.
"Your Majesty.. I'm sure you already know of this... But there are many lives at stake as we speak. Not just this Kingdom, but the neighboring countries as well. Are you just going to stand by and watch when you can do something about it?" ［Grey］
"What insolence! Archduke, even if you're our guest, don't you think you've been too rude towards His Majesty?! Please mind yourー" ［Douglas］
"674... That's the number of victims we've confirmed in the town of Veltofar alone. Of those, we've seen over two dozen corpses under the Lord's mansion... Do you really think we're the ones playing around here?" ［Grey］
"That's...." ［Douglas］
"Stop it, Douglas. The Archduke is right." ［Philip］
"But, Your Majesty!" ［Douglas］
The Captain of the Royal Guards tried to protect the honor of the King, but when the man himself admitted his faults, there was only so much he could say. All he could do was stay quiet and clench his fists in dissatisfaction.
Grey and Yuna were strangers to the Kingdom, yet those strangers have already done more than him in the short stay they have been in Aldengard. How could he not feel powerless when facing such an irrefutable fact?
After all, all they lacked was proof. When it comes to power, they have the General, the Captain of the Royal Guards, 2 more High-Rankers, and over 60% of the nobles. It was already much more compared to the Duke which only has 3-High-Rankers and the remainder of the nobles.
The Duke's ace was an A-rank mercenary, but he could easily be taken care of by the General. In terms of politics, they are also overwhelming. Yet there was nothing he could do even after several years had already passed.
"All you need to do is give us permission, Your Majesty. We will take care of everything as swiftly as we can." ［Grey］
"Un. You don't need to do anything. This will all be on us." ［Yuna］
And now, 2 more S-rankers are lending their hands towards them. They have enough firepower to flip the situation battle on its head. It was an opportunity which they wouldn't be able to come across ever again.
While it might be true that they might lose capable knights and soldiers in the process, it would be nothing compared to the thousands of lives of innocent civilians. The choice was already obvious no matter which angle you look at it.
"No... We can't just leave it all to you. I still can't give you an answer, but I will be sure to consider your offer." ［Philp］
"That is more than enough for us, Your Majesty." ［Grey］
"Yes... Thank you for your understanding." ［Philip］
He had already decided, but there was still a need to notify the other higher-ups of the situation. And there was also a matter of the evidence that they needed to review and see which ones they could use against the Duke.
It was subtle, but the King's whole body was trembling for what lay in front of him. It was a chance to get rid of all evil and rotten parts of the Kingdom all at once. It was something to be thankful of, however...
"I am very grateful for your help, Archduke Grey, Archduchess Yuna, however... May I ask why... Why are you helping us?" ［Philip］
... One question weighed down on his mind unlike any other. Many would think that the two might do it for favors or rewards, but the King couldn't sense such a desire on them. Rather, it was the opposite. They were all too clean.
"Hm? Do we need a reason to? We're just doing what we can as people who can make a change. That's all there is to it." ［Yuna］
"Yeah... We can't stand the sight of those disturbing bastards. They are just too disgusting to be left alone. Parasites that's needed to be rid of." ［Grey］
"Un! We're just cleaning up trash, right～?" ［Yuna］
And the King was right. Neither Grey nor Yuna desires for wealth, fame, or honor. They are simply doing what they can while they can, to make the world a better place even a little... Or in this case, bring about a drastic change.
The King has yet to know more about them, but after hearing their answers and seeing the sincere expressions on their faces, his impression of them has soared leaps and bounds. He now knows just what kind of people they were.
"Oh, right! Before I forget, Your Majesty, we have something else to talk about... It might take a little while though...." ［Grey］
"... That's fine. What is it about..." ［Philip］
"Actually... About the case in Veltofar..." ［Grey］
Acting unusually meek compared to before, Grey and Yuna then started explaining what sort of things happened in Veltofar in their brief stay there. From how they got into trouble to how they clashed against the Viscount.
Of course, they also left some details behind like their abilities and such, only talking about the details which everyone already knows of and something that won't come biting them in the future. The King listened to them attentively.
They also talked about the fact that they might or might not have killed the Lord whilst they were doing their little investigation, acting like little children who were about to be scolded. It was a stark contrast from how bold they were before.
"I see... So that's how you got your hands on this evidence... I see..." ［Philip］
"Yeah, but... We won't get in trouble with this, right? After all... We did kill a noble and beat up some knights while we're at it..." ［Grey］
"Normally, you would, but if what you're saying is all true then there's no need to worry. That bastard deserves it. I would have killed him myself if I could." ［Philip］
Hearing the King's words, the two could finally heave a sigh of relief. They have been too reckless, after all. It was a good thing that the King was understanding, and that they won't be labeled as criminals once everything is over.
"As for the criminal organizations you were talking about. You also don't have to worry about it. We'll send reinforcement as soon as we can." ［Philip］
"Ah... Did we not tell you? We already took care of all of them." ［Grey］
"Huh...?" ［Philip］ "Ehh...?" ［Douglas］
Both the King and the Captain of the Royal Guards were at a loss as soon as they realized Grey's words. They thought they were just joking at first, but seeing how the young man's face remained the same. It was not the case.
"Di... Didn't you just say you interrogated the Lord this morning...?" ［Philip］
"Well, it was a lot of work but it wasn't too difficult. We just cleaned them up one after another. There shouldn't be any more of them left." ［Grey］
"Hmm... There were a lot of knights involved with them as well. They're not very strong though. They were all just small fries. Nothing too serious." ［Yuna］
"I... I see... That's a relief then..." ［Philip］
Or so he says, but the King could barely keep his wits with him after hearing such words. It was simply too absurd and bewildering. The more he thought about it, the more his head started to ache. He stopped thinking soon after.
After that, the two parties then talked about a lot of things and dealt with the easier problems they could right now, the King then giving them a room in the castle for their stay and for an easier way to find them.
It wasn't too long before they finished their meeting, the King looking much better and relieved than before, now knowing that true peace was just in reach. He couldn't thank Grey and Yuna enough for such bright and glimmering hope.
"Then, we'll be taking our leave now, Your Majesty... And, about earlier, I apologize for being too rude. It was a necessity, you see." ［Grey］
"Hahaha! A necessity, you say? Don't worry, I don't hold grudges over such petty reasons. You can rest assured, Archduke, Archduchess." ［Philip］
"Hahaha. Then, we bid you farewell, Your Majesty," ［Grey］
"See you next time, Your Majesty." ［Yuna］
Before long, Grey and Yuna soon took their leave, dispelling the large barrier over the throne room with a flick of the fingers. Peace and silence reigned over the room once more, only two silent figures remaining inside.
"Haah... Thank God nothing happened... It would have been a disaster if S-rankers were to engage in a battle..." ［Philip］
It was only then that the King was able to relax his shoulders and crack his stiff neck. He could finally heave a lengthy sigh, his heart feeling calm... However.. The same couldn't be said for the Captain of the Royal Guards who was now trembling.
"Y.., Your Majesty... This might sound absurd... But those people... Archduke Grey and Archduchess Yuna... The two of them... They aren't S-rankers..." ［Douglas］
"Huh? Douglas, what do you mean... Are you saying they faked their ranks...? That's impossible. Didn't you just feel their auras just now?" ［Philip］
"No, that's not what I meant, Your Majesty... It was only for a short moment, but I felt very clearly... The absolute and insurmountable gap between us... How powerless I was before the two of them..." ［Douglas］
He managed to stay calm before, but the whole time, his heart was actually racing like a mad stallion and his body was trembling ever so slightly. It took him his all just trying to keep himself calm in the face of such monsters.
The Captain of the Royal Guards, an A-ranker, was trembling before such youths who aren't even the age of 20 yet. No matter how one thinks about it, it was too ridiculous, however, the pale color on his face was no joke.
"It was as if I was just an insignificant and useless ant before them... Even with the General, I didn't feel like this powerless... They aren't just S-rankers, You Majesty... Calamity-Class! They're Calamity-Class Rankers!" ［Douglas］
Shouted the Captain of the Royal Guards with absolute certainty whilst tension and anxiety was painted over his face. They were words which made the King's heart sink, a bewildered expression blooming over his face.
"Calamity-Class... You do know that is not a joking matter, right Douglas? Are you absolutely certain of your words?" ［Philip］
"I swear it in my honor as the Captain of the Royal Guards! The words that I uttered were the truth, and only the truth! Dare I to lie in front of Your Majesty, may this fool be punished and smitten by the heavens!" ［Douglas］
There was no use trying to deny it. With such a resolute answer coming from the Captain of the Royal Guards, there was no way the King could just simply dismiss such a thought. His body soon started to tremble.
"Haha... Hahaha... So we had no choice from the start, huh..." ［Philip］
It was only then that the King realized just how fruitless trying to negotiate with them was. Even if he refused their offer, they would still wreak havoc throughout the whole Kingdom and all they could do is watch powerlessly as they did so.
But perhaps the most important part to take note of was just how ridiculous the allies that he just managed to get by chance were. Being their enemies was the last thing he wanted to do. As it would only spell nothing but ruin.
"How ridiculous... Just what did we get ourselves into?" ［Philip］
CHAPTER 419 END