Chapter 30
(Isabelle's POV)
After I was called by the young Knight Kyle, I was then lead to a room where the conference is being held, the [Council Chamber]. It was a room dedicated solely for a meeting, or a close up conference with the King himself. After walking down the corridor, we then arrived at the center part of the castle. 2 [Knight Legion Commander], and 2 [Knight Legion Captain] was guarding the entrance.
"His majesty, and the other nobles are already waiting inside for your presence, my lady"
Young Knight Kyle spoke as he open the door for me to enter. Without wasting any more time, I pull myself together as I puff my chest out, strengthen my posture, and raise my chin up as I walked and entered the chamber.
As I walk in, I was then greeted with a pale tint of off-white walls, and reflected floors with a chandelier hanging atop. All the furniture - chair - inside the room was all luxurious, and brought with great price solely not to only boost their wealth, but also their artistic likeness, coated in a splendid tarnish shade of green paint, with a hint of a delicate silver brush at the furniture's edge, with a dark shade of red slip seat.
The oval shaped table that was placed at the center, was made with a medium size thick, see-through glass that was placed at the very center, placed near an elegant dark brown with a reddish-orange table, and a deep blue ocean that was surrounding it. The single stand is brush with a dark brown coat.
And seated on those chairs was the King - at the top - on his golden armed throne - from its cresting rail till its leg and foot - and a light, sandy fawn color like a pale, grayish yellow splat and slip seat. At his side was the Queen, Aurelie de Monet Van der Entel - left - and his highness, the Prince, Pierre de Monet Van der Entel, and Princess Valerie de Monet Van der Entel - right
At the bottom right was the Duke, followed by the Marquess, while the bottom left was occupied by the Mangrave, followed by the Count. The Viscount seated at the right seat, while the Baron was placed at the left. All were standing as they welcome me (Note: I promise next time, I will not laugh at the word Count)
'I really hope they won't drag this discussion, further away from the source'
I sighly wished, as I approached at the bottom part of the table
"It's out greatest pleasure that you honor us with your presence, Lady Isabelle Fall"
The King spoke. I then narrowed my vision while maintaining a youthful, innocent smile, and looked at the people in the table, specifically around his majesty's side, and saw 3 playful smiles looking at me, the Queen and both his highness the Prince and Princess, while the Prince being-
'Forget it'
"The pleasure is all mine, your majesty"
After I tried to sway away some annoying thought from my head, I then replied to his majesty's word, and bow - 30 degrees. The King then gestured us to sit down, which we followed through after him
"Unfortunately, we can't welcome you with a grand embrace, as the situation speaks off uncertainty and direness, Lady Isabelle"
"Your majesty, being allowed to speak and meet you, is already an honor with a pleasant upbringing, and I'm not here for a momentary repartee. As the kingdom is in a state of chaos, how could I leisurely asked for a luxurious greet?"
I spoke in a formal manner, which I wish that would end
" His Dutch-ahem, his Lady Fall is right your majesty. We can't try to make lose more lives for a small handshake, so with outmost concern, we must not delay this situation any further"
"Indeed"
The one who spoke after me was the Duke, Albert Centre Von Atria, [Duke of Atria]. The [Dukedom of Atria] is located at the west of the kingdom, just a 7 days trip from the port, and 4 days venture from the kingdom. He was wearing a very simple yet stunning attire, that boost his demeanor as a strong willed ruler. A splendidly made tight suit, that emphasize his huge build and broad muscle, covered in a bright white with a hint of yellow undertone. It has 6 button design at his chest
"If you will your majesty, may I suggest that we shall deploy some of our Knight Legion to the Frontline, to cease this unforgivable carnage"
"I beg to differ, Lord Castro"
This time, his highness the Prince disagrees with Lord Castro Van de Monte, [Marquess of the March Montre], which made everyone's gaze turn towards the Prince. (Note: March is the land name whom a Marquess govern, while county for Count)
Lord Castro is wearing a dark shade of blue vest with 6 button design, that were placed symmetrically from his chest till his belly, with a peak lapel style - the tip of the lapel points upwards, standing pround from the collar - and a straight point collar with a cool gray shirt underneath it. Lord Castro is a big man
".... If your highness objects, may I ask for what reason?"
"Knight Legion isn't just a pawn we can disregard in our first move. They are a valid piece to a kingdom's regime, so if we move them now, what will be the kingdom's core piece?"
The Prince then looked towards us and spoke. His highness, Prince Pierre, is wearing a noble suit that has no lapel but tight around his neck - and collar - with a diagonal layout - lika a slit - from his right neck till below his left, with 8 buttons placed vertically, buttoning his powder white suit. He was wearing a white glove, and at the bottom of his suit was placed with 2 buttons.
"So your majesty, I suggest we deploy some adventures in this fray"
His words caused some murmurs among the nobles, while the King and Queen didn't interject, and patiently waited as he continued his words
"As we know, adventurers won't lay down their lives without any interest, so I propose we make it into a Quest. With that laid, we can employ some men's or women's to defend and protect our citizen, until we find the cause of this mess"
His suggestion was then thought by the nobles that were seated at the table, whispering among the others if his words should be considered or not. The King and Queen still didn't respond as they stay neutral, with the Princess calmly observes.
His majesty, the King, wore a snow white dress with a peak lapel and button-down collar - with a hint of delicate golden brush on each edge - with 3 gray buttons placed at the center. The mantle of the King was coated in a mixture of cyan and blue, with white fur atop of it. An intense shade of medium yellow lace - 2- was attached from his mantle - from his left to right shoulder.
The Queen, her majesty Verie, was wearing a stunning bright, shiny white dress that was tight on her waist, flaunting her seductive curves and breast - medium - while exposing her bare shoulder in a diagonal cut, with loosed layout till her wrist. Her skirts that hid her legs that reached till below her feet, and a beautiful half-up Dutch braid hairstyle, and with her crown atop. (Note: in this Era, braid is already well-known)
While her highness, the Princess Aurelie, wore a dazzling off shoulder ivory white dress, that cover half her neck and broadening her chest, with a design like a pasted, elegant golden spring leaves, that covers her dress till her long skirt. With her flower crown braid style - single - and a vermillion lipstick
"I also add that we needed to make it as mid gold class Quest, rewarding them with 1, 000 gold coins, and additional 200 gold coins, if they were be able to contain the whole situation"
Silence then came upon the room, and this time, Lord Lachey von Castantes, [Count of the County Castantes], asked. He was wearing a black suit with white shirt underneath, and a tab collar with a shawl lapel.
"If the adventurer we shall employ is only 4 or 5 teams, then the money we shall spend will be appropriate. But if it's by 7 or 8 teams, I think we are losing more than what we are gaining, your highness"
"I shall agree on Count Machey your highness. Losing 12 big gold coins in this Quest without gaining any suitable aftermath, will be a great lose to us. In terms of skill, I believe our Knight Legion will be much more appreciated in this battle"
With such questioned asked, the Prince then gone silence as he close his eyes. A moment came as he cleared his thought, he then answered
"Adventurers might be different towards our honorable Knights, but as they sought greatness and strength, they still pursue the same of glory and might. Employing them is much better than deploying our Knights, to showcase that we didn't only partake their strive for fame, but to show that we indeed recognize their strengths"
He then looked at us and spoke
'Please stop'
"So with great bene-"
"Darling, can we stop this?"
"Hmmmm?"
"Anymore if those dogshit, cheesy word of uninteresting play, I will vomit. They are giving me nuisance, darling"
I spoke, as I placed my left hand on my forehead's side, while crossing my legs, and resting my right hand atop of it. I could hear him chuckles, but I didn't care, as remembering those people is truly painful and annoying
"I-I'll just explain it in a short remake, so we can tackle much more serious discussion than this bullshit"
I stated. I then strengthen my posture once again, as I looked at darling, trying to ease my headache as I gaze at him
"To summarize the meeting - if that was one - we had, they will commissions some adventurers to handle the situation going on, dealing with the rampaging monsters, and rescuing the citizens while securing back the kingdom's defense. Additionally - if only - trying to pry to who is the mastermind behind this intentional accident, if it was intentional in the first place"
Munch
"Should we partake darling? Getting 1, 000 gold coins, plus 200 gold coins if we can settle this commotion, is a great amount of reward"
"I also suggest on taking it darling, as we aren't soloing this mission. But I must say, for those 'Nobles', how can a 12 big gold coins isn't even worth a chime for those people? I can't seem to understand their money value in this regard"
"Don't stress out with that, complaining on them on how slow they react, while we are here eating some tasty snacks and resting, while those people are dying and pleading is being hypocrite on our side, cow-tit"
Sheryl answered, as she took a tasty cookie
"I'm not complaining, you know best than anyone why we are in the first place, flat-loli. So I'm not complaining, I'm just asking, why those people seated in such throne with such mindset? I can't seem to find the reason behind it"
"It's not all about integrity and value Natsumi, but worth and revenue. Even if you have grown being disciplined with outmost care, you still can't outrun that not all action can be driven by a mere words of justice, and impulse action of rights. Not everything is meant to be acted, without any moment of calculativeness"
I replied which made Natsumi frown a bit, but didn't said anything back, as she knows that even us won't move, if there isn't any benefit to our action
"Enough with that talk. Darling, as they are about to issue this Quest, will you take it? By how I explained to you how much this people regard me, this Quest isn't just pointed to many, but to one only"
Crunch
"Is there any option other than running away?"
"... None...."
"Then I guess we have no choice"
Munch
"...."
It's been hour since darling got back to his health, not sure if he did fully recover, but darling seems to be... Cold? For unknown reason, he been awfully quiet, and only asked what he needed to asked, and nothing more
'And I'm not the only one who seem to notice his changes'
I thought, as I saw both Natsumi and Sheryl, frequently glancing at him, worriedly in a frigid manner. I then shake my head off from such useless thought - for now - and needs to discuss our further action.
'The situation speaks urgency, but we lacked information, and most importantly, I'm worried to who is behind all of this'
"Darling, as I stated, if you accept this Quest, those nobles will surely put you in their surveillance, will you really be okay with that?"
I asked with a stoic tone, with a low hint of worriness, as I gaze at him
"Isabelle"
"Hmmmmmm?"
"How can you be so sure that they are unto me?"
He asked, as he took another bite of his cookie
'I already miss count of how may did he took this time'
"The [Knight General] Lord Roland has his own assumption, couple with the young Knight Kyle, and Knight Cervene (Note: Czech for red) own thought, they were able to deduce, though it's just a mere speculation, that you are someone that is close and dear to me"
".... On what ground?"
"I think it's on how coldly I reacted on Lord Roland's word, while I carried you behind me, and also with how I made you as my top priority, than any other event in the meeting with the king. And I also think they might have gotten some hint after I, Well, on how I look at you, but you can't definitely blame me on that"
I spoke with a tint of pink hue on my cheeks
"No I mean, on what evidence can you reason out that they will lock on me, than the situation we are facing right now?"
"... Oh, well..... The meeting went forward with the usual stuff, advocating the rights and etc. some blah blah blah and yada yada, but the one who mostly talk in that meeting is his highness only. The other nobles only spoke as if they were waiting for their part to say, while both his and her majesties didn't interrupted the conversation, and became neutral, except for some additional advices and such, but it was mostly unneeded. Her highness didn't even spoke once, and continued her silence till the very end, but she mostly keep glancing at me"
"In short?"
"Well in short, they were playing a play, as if they are reading a scripted portray. All the attentions in that meeting was focused on his highness only. How he solves and spoke his decision, with outmost care and deligence, how he gave his opinion with standard and outright rationality. Basically, they were highlighting him. I noticed it after some simple exchange they did, and how the Queen and Princess keep glancing at me after, sometimes during his highness speech. I could certainly say that they are trying to say "How's his highness, Lady Isabelle?". With how they keep pointing the Prince's noble, and whatever remark he keep stating in that conference, and with that assumption they have with you, can you say that they won't try their full secrecy, to try to pull something stupid behind you?"
I nonchalantly with a bit of irritation, spoke, as I took the tea cup a bit away from my lips, and stared at the dark brown coffee inside it
"..... I see. Then I guess it's inevitable"
"... Darlin-.... Then let's move on. As you have accepted this Quest, you will be assigned by his majesty himself. You may not reject him, but you can certainly give your opinion, ONLY if you are asked. You will be placed with some of the other adventurers that were employed. The group will not be limited to how many can participate, as long they can finish this mission, so they will at least give a bit of assistance if needed"
I explained in a serious manner without flinching, as I place the tea cup on its plate
"His highness will be there, so please darling, control yourself, and don't bicker with that fool no matter what happen. The other noble may try to stir the situation, so I asked you to atleast turn a deaf ear to them. Worst case, her majesty and even her highness might try to dig something out of you - verbally or not - so be sure to be stoic and cold as much as possible, even if they complain about it"
I spoke after I stood up, and walked towards him - as I circled the table - and bend down before him, and hold his hand that was on his lap, as he rest his left hand, while his right elbow anchored his right lap, as he hold his cookie.
"So please darling, be sure to not cause any ruckus, even if you aren't the one who started it. I just don't want you to be labeled as a criminal by those fools"
I plead with a tinder and warmthful tone, as I looked at him. He then lean over and give me a forehead kiss, which made me tingle for some reason, and spoke
"I will do my best"
"Please do, and also, I know you already know this, but be careful. Those nobles might start scheming behind you, so be sure to always observe your surroundings. If things go south, I beg you to not kill anyone of them, well....intentionally of course, we don't know what consequences might be brought that on you, so be sure to do it moderately, or in silence"
He then chuckled and lean his head much closer, and whispered on me
"If I do that, what will be my reward then?"
And spoke in a coaxing tone, which made me smiled and burn like I was naked under the sun
"Well..."
I then brush my hands on his legs, gently towards his waist, and stop when my thumb reach his 'part', and licked my lips
" If you can make it as unnoticeable as much as possible, then I will give you something special tonight~"
And give him a deep kiss
Muah~
"Hey!"
"This is unfair treatment!"
Which made the other two nuisance complained, as they clinged on him hurriedly. After we parted our lips, I then stood up and hug him, as I buried his face on my chest, and mutter
"I don't know what causing you be so distance, but whatever it may be, please don't be reckless and rely on us, okay? I don't want to lose you"
"... I will"
After we discussed our plan during this mission, Knight Kyle then came as he knocked on the door, and called us out. He was trying his best to hide it as much as he can, but it was certainly displayed on his face how displeased he is, seeing me and darling coming out from the same room, with 2 other women inside, which I didn't care even the slightness
Young knight Kyle then lead us to the conference room, after I asked his majesty to give permission for darling and the others to come in, after I explained - well mostly in a persistent act - that darling is one or among the person I trusted the most, which made his highness flinched, or reacted in manner where his smiled kind off, slanted
'I really hate this drama. I know I'm beautiful and hot, but for the love of what, I really hope he will stop his childish dream for pete's sake!'
We then headed towards the [Council Chamber]. The 4 guarding Knights was on high alert as they look at darling. With that, I then also can't help but look at him worriedly, as it seems, whatever was conflicting him, is getting worse every second. His like a burning piece of wood, flickering as it burns
'Darling'
We then went inside after Knight Kyle confirmed that we are allowed to enter - well its mostly only for darling and the 2 though. As we went in, the atmosphere of the room suddenly change, from the time I alone went in it was quite sunny, but now? Now it's certainly feel like a cold, windy night. But the atmosphere then suddenly change again, as if it wasn't there in the first place, but I could assuredly sure that they are just trying not to leak their discontentment in my presence, especially his highnes
'Oh my~'
If the last time his smile slanted a bit, when I suggested that darling will attend the meeting, now he was wearing his fake mask to cover his dissatisfaction of darling coming here, as he smile
'I'm worried on what reaction would this man make, if he found out about the relationship of me and darling have'
I thought with a bit of amusement. Well, its certainly quite annoying, but thanks to darling showing his jealous side, which he didn't shown ever!, I'm kind of anticipating a bit of
'Being beautiful is truly a sin, but can I be blame, if I was born with such gift?'
"Your majesty, they are the people I have told you about"
His majesty then looked at darling and the others with an eye of someone who looks down to those below them, judging them as a king he was
"So it's the adventurers that Lord Eric choose"
'Hmmmm....'
"Very well, it seems I own you an apology as I wasn't there during the welcoming, I apologize"
'Welcoming?'
His majesty the King spoke as he bow his head, slightly, and apologized, which is quite rare for a royalty to do so, which greatly shock us all, except for some, but none dare to raise a voice of disproval
"Don't be"
This time, darling answered in a bit off voice manner, different than the tone he tends to speak
(Creeper's POV)
"Your majesty does not need to apologize unto us"
"?"
The King was then confused as he looked at me
"We are already much WELCOMED by the [Kingdom's Guard]. Sir Elen, their captain, already greeted us with outmost care, your majesty"
"... I see. It seems I need to reward him with such conduct"
"It will be his majesty's decision for such. A mere man like me could only give a deeply thought regarding that matter. And my party already knew how much his majesty seem to be busy, so we already knew the circumstances, and didn't mind it"
"..."
(Isabelle's POV)
'.....'
I was completely silent as I listened to every words darling spoke, while the other nobles has gone quiet too, with a hint of worry and praise, as he keep his word both sarcastic and delighted, without hinting his mocking remark
'I think I need to change my underwear'
(Creeper's POV)
"We are already filled by the [King's Minister] with all the information regarding the Quest that you have asked us, so with that, we already gotten what we came for. But alas, it seems the Quest we are anticipating for was quite reluctant to open himself up, so we are still yet to finish the Quest, so do forgive us your majesty"
I then bowed as I stated that
".... No need to concern yourself for such trivial matter, that Quest isn't urgent than this matter in hand, so you don't have to care yourself with such"
'Trivial'
I thought, as I smiled as I look at him
"Ahem"
(Isabelle's POV)
'Not good'
"Your majesty, d-cough..... Sir Creeper's party already achieved a great height in our city. They are already at early gold rank-"
"Only early gold rank?"
"In less than a year"
"....."
I stated in hinting tone of annoyance, as someone among the noble just interrupted me with its disdainful whisper. I was also a bit embarrassed, as I just blurted out a number I didn't even know if it was true, just because I was irritated
'This is embarrassing'
"I can assure you, your majesty, that they will be helpful during this time"
His majesty then narrowed his vision towards darling, looking at him with somewhat biased look, while being expressionless
"..... If Lady Fall said so, then so be it"
The King then sat on his throne as he he gestures us to sit, with an expression that somewhat uninterested, and quite, or bluntly, didn't expect anything. I then glance at darling in secrecy, and saw that whatever seems to be occupying his mind, isn't decreasing
'....'
(Creeper's POV)
As I sat down, the boiling irritation in me didn't settle down, not even the lightness, as it burns deep down on me with a fierce flame of hatred. I could only smile with disdain as I can't calm myself, and losing control over my own emotion
I keep trying to sway away all the negative thoughts my mind swirled and whispered, trying to atleast keep myself in-check, as my cool is getting out of hand. I wasn't irritated that I was defeated by that unknown monster, defeat doesn't mean I fail, but rather a path for me to crave for success, but what comes after that was the core reason of my displeasure. That memory that came after, that dream I saw, was something I really hate to remember, something I deep down wish that I could forget
'...'
Clench