The queen stared at the scroll in disbelief. Her nails dug into her palms as she read the words written in dried blood.
"For fuck's sake, what the hell is this...?!"
Her voice was filled with frustration and anger.
The day had been relatively quiet. The conquest of Erilis was a significant achievement for her, despite the loss of manpower. With the town under her control, she had gained access to the S-Ranked dungeon that was hidden deep in the surrounding forest.
She had sent the hero, his companion, and Golden Faith, to explore the dungeon and report back to her as soon as possible. But since their departure, there had been no word from them. Not a single report, no letters, not even a hint of their whereabouts.
That was, until now, when the scroll and the message written in dried blood had suddenly appeared in front of her.
''It hides below Erilis?! Can't you be a little clearer you son of a bitch...''
The message that she had received was written using a "Blood Scroll," an item only used when one was at their wit's end.
And as far as the queen knew, only the hero and she had one, as they were very rare and expensive items. Which could only mean one thing:
"Those fuckers died before completing their mission."
Frustration and anger rose within her. Despite having sent their best, they had failed, and not only died, but she lost her most powerful weapon, the hero. She felt hopeless, there was nothing she could do.
Or so she thought, but then an idea suddenly arose in her mind. There was still something she could do.
''...Varas,''
She called out to the man standing behind her.
''Yes, your majesty?''
''Contact the promises we've been observing so far, including that man you recommended.''
The butler raised his eyebrows, surprised at the queen's sudden request. He was confused as to what the queen was thinking but knew better than to question her actions.
''Of course, your majesty.''
He replied with a slight bow before turning around to leave the room.
Hearing the door close behind Varas, the queen leaned back in her chair and let out a quiet, sinister laugh. She had found it, a solution to her problem.
The idea she had come up with was very simple: If she couldn't bring the first unit back to life, and if she had lost her main weapon...
Then why not simply replace them, with far more promising people, who will actually listen to her orders?
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The days passed quietly for me, and the more I read the more knowledgeable I became of things such as dungeons and monsters. Hell, I could probably move objects with just my mind at this point! Although, I had also grown incredibly tired.
As we studied, I grew curious and asked Elisa why we had not started physical training yet, and she told me that I already had the brutishness of an adventurer. I wasn't sure if she meant it as a compliment or not, but I took it that way.
Not much happened for a while. I met with my sister from time to time, and her complexion worsened with every meeting. Those exams had really taken a toll on her.
I kept studying, Elisa kept helping me, and I kept meeting with my sister from time to time. Things were going fine, even my parents seemed to be in a better mood when I told them about what Martha said. I was pretty content with everything.
Things took a turn when I received a certain card.
''This emblem...''
I looked at the envelope on my desk with a fierce glare, sweat dripping down my forehead.
The package itself wasn't anything out of the ordinary. It was the red letter stamp holding it closed that depicted a Manticore which made me terribly afraid-- that was the emblem of the queen.
''This means it comes from the queen herself.''
My heart beat faster than ever.
Huh? What? What had I done to gain the attention of the queen? Was it because I was close to Elisa? No, that didn't make sense - her family wasn't that powerful. Maybe my sister? She's a genius magician after all, but they had never contacted me before, so why would they do it now? My mind raced with possibilities.
I couldn't bring myself to a decision. I wiped the sweat from my forehead and collapsed onto the chair in front of the desk.
"What the hell do I do?" I muttered to myself.
Clutching my head, I glared at the unopened envelope resting on the desk. I had tons of options, but the only one I had considered was to escape the country. However, that would mean putting my family in danger. I quickly dismissed the thought and crossed my arms.
...Wait, why am I trying to flee the country? It's just a damn letter!
"...Shit, I guess I'll need to open this damn thing and then figure out what to do."
I grabbed the envelope and took out the letter. It was written in Formal Latvarian, which made me squint my eyes in confusion. I could sort of understand the message, but the excessive use of flowery language made it hard to follow at times.
''Isaac Brenton, we have seen and taken notice of your great accomplishments in the battlefield. Taking on a Beastman and defeating him is no easy task, and so we have taken great care in investigating you and knowing who exactly you are...''
My heart sank as I processed the words.
''Did they just admit to spying on me...? No wonder I've been feeling so paranoid these past few days.''
I muttered in a low voice and kept reading the letter in a low voice. My eyebrows furrowed as I absorbed the letter's words.
''Having recognized your strength and skill, we hand you an invitation to the Royal Castle, to stand in front of the queen and serve her in a mission she has entrusted you and only a few others.''
My brows creased. A mission? But I'm on leave, and I'm thinking of retiring. If they've been spying on me, they should know that much.
That meant that this wasn't an invitation, but an order. I guess I'll have to forget about retiring any time soon.
I leaned back on the wooden chair and stared at the ceiling.
''How will I explain this to my family and Elisa?''
I complained to myself.
--------------------------------------------------
Knowing the queen wasn't famous for being a very patient woman, I decided to leave as soon as I finished reading the letter. I put on the same white shirt and black pants I always wore. I didn't really have any other clothes fit for going out.
The way there would take around an hour or so. The Royal Castle is located at the highest point of the empire, so I'd have to travel through the entire noble district. I could feel their judgemental glares at me, even from some of the servants who seemed confused by my presence.
Thankfully, I managed to reach the castle's main gate without any trouble. The castle itself was massive, occupying an entire street with a towering stone wall surrounding it. Two guards stood watch at the gate.
I showed them the invitation, and they eventually allowed me entry.
As I stepped inside, my eyes widened in amazement.
''W-Woah...''
I couldn't help but be impressed by the grandeur of the castle. The entire place was not only massive but also marvelously built, not letting a single material go to waste. The marble walls were adorned with complex and beautiful carvings much like the library. however, these ones glinted in the sunlight, revealing the fact that they were made of very fine gold. It contrasted perfectly with the crimson color of the walls.
The garden that surrounded the castle was just as impressive. Flowers of every color bloomed in perfect harmony, their fragrance mingling the air. The carefully tended bushes and hedges were taken care of so that they formed intricate patterns.
As much as I hate to say it, the woman had great taste.
I moved and went up the stairs leading to the castle's main door. I hesitated a bit. The stairs were unnaturally pristine and shiny, almost as if nobody had ever walked on them before.
''---Welcome, dear guest.''
As I reached the top of the stairs, a gentle voice greeted me, causing me to flinch. A tall, elegant old man stood in a suit before me.
''Ah, hello...''
I did a slight bow and greeted the man.
He raised his head and gave me a sympathizing smile.
''Well, let's not keep the queen waiting, she isn't in the best of moods.''
''Eh?''
Suddenly, a clicking sound echoed, and I found myself in a completely different place. I looked around the large hall and realized I was inside the Royal Castle.
''Teleportation magic...?''
I had read about it in books, but as far as I knew, it was an old and forgotten art. Who could've guessed the queen was capable of using it. I always did wonder just how did she move inside this gigantic maze, I guess I found my answer.
''Come with me.''
The old man motioned me to follow him, and lead me toward the large wooden doors. I thanked him as he opened one of the doors, and entered the throne room.
''---Ah, you've finally arrived.'''
---A cold chill went down my spine at hearing the woman's voice.
The old man touched my shoulder and motioned me to follow him again, leading me towards the center of the room, where 2 young men and a young petite woman I didn't know of stood.
I looked up at the woman sitting on the throne. Melty de Belica, the tyrannical woman who stands at the top of everything. The queen of Belica. It was my first time seeing her, and I already felt like I wanted to run away.
''Hmph, how typical, a commoner with no manners.''
I frowned at the voice. I looked to the side and saw the smirking face of a blonde man who seemed to be just slightly shorter than me. He wore a pristine white suit that made his already pale face seem even paler.
The cliche look of a stuck-up noble.
''...''
I wasn't sure what to say, and in the end, just rolled my eyes and looked forward. His smirk faltered for a bit.
The old man went up to the queen and whispered something in her ear, to which her eyes fell on me as if she was scrutinizing every inch of me.
It was a terrifying situation, to say the least.
''...So, then,''
The woman spoke loudly, with a powerful voice unlike any I have ever heard.
''Let's begin this meeting.''