The next day, as soon as I woke up, I quickly had my breakfast and started preparing myself to go to the castle. Today will be the day when we will conduct the practical test of the sleeping gas grenades we made yesterday. Of course, the primary objective of this practical test, besides testing the grenades, is to boost the soldiers' confidence in the upcoming war. After all, the chance of winning with the traditional approach is extremely small, if not nonexistent.
As soon as we finished breakfast, Rebecca, Ammy, and I got into the carriage that was already waiting for us outside. The carriage bore the characteristic symbol of the Solaris imperial family, indicating its royal status.
"I'm a little nervous. It's the first time I'm going to the royal palace"
Rebecca said as she entered the carriage.
"Me too. I'm a simple commoner. Not even in my wildest dreams would I have thought that one day I would get to visit the palace"
Ammy said with a quirky expression. The scene with both of them was quite amusing, but I decided not to tease them for too long.
"You don't have to be so nervous. The king and queen are quite nice and understanding people. Whenever I get an invitation to the castle, I'm welcomed as if I were part of the family"
I said with a gentle smile. Upon hearing my words, they both exchanged glances for a few seconds before looking back at me.
"But that only happens because you're the one there, Ren"
Rebecca said with a serious expression.
"What do you mean by that?"
I asked, confused. In response to my question, they both sighed and ignored me. After that, the three of us enjoyed a pleasant time inside the carriage, during which I tried to help Rebecca and Ammy feel more at ease. My plan seemed to be working, as they were now more excited to see how the "Grenades" work than to actually visit the castle. After spending some time inside the carriage, the castle finally came into view. Both Rebecca and Ammy were amazed by the breathtaking sight before them.
Once the carriage stopped, the three of us disembarked and proceeded inside the castle. Ammy and Rebecca were constantly looking around as we entered. From my perspective, they seemed like small-town folks visiting the big city for the first time. However, what mattered was that they were both having a good time. When we reached the entrance, we were halted by two soldiers standing guard.
"Mr. Ren, it's an honor to meet you. Their Majesties have sent me to guide you to the testing area"
The soldier said respectfully.
"That's fine, but before that, could someone take the bags I brought in the carriage to the testing area? Also, please handle them with care"
I suggested. Upon hearing my request, the soldier nodded.
"I will do that right away, Sir Ren"
The soldier responded before heading towards the carriage. As he left, the other soldier who remained began guiding us to the testing area. This was an unfamiliar part of the castle for me, as I had never had the opportunity to explore this far. Within a few seconds of walking, we arrived at what appeared to be the back wing of the castle. It was essentially an open space with nothing but grass covering the ground. And in this place, the entire royal family had assembled—the king, the queen, Emi's brothers, and Emi herself.
As soon as they saw us, Asia opened a huge smile and started waving at me—something not really appropriate for royalty, but for some reason, it made her even cuter. The blond-haired boy next to Emi, for some reason, was looking at me with excitement in his eyes. For some reason, I was feeling like I was going to be attacked at any moment by him. Albert was looking at me with a gentle smile on his face. Of them all, Emi seemed the most indifferent, although she was also looking at me. In these moments, it is really hard to know what she is thinking.
"It's good to see you here, Ren"
Said the king as soon as I approached along with Ammy and Rebecca.
"It is a pleasure, Your Majesty"
I said, giving a salute. Ammy and Rebecca behind me looked lost, not knowing what to do.
"May I ask who the two ladies behind you are?"
The king asked. Hearing his words, both Ammy and Rebecca bowed their heads and quickly began to introduce themselves.
"I-I am Ammy... and an honor to meet you, Your Majesty"
Ammy said.
"I-I am Rebecca... I am the manager of the store that Ren opened"
Rebecca said. They both looked extremely nervous, although I couldn't blame them.
(I was like that too the first time I came to the palace. In time, I hope they will get used to it)
I thought as I glanced at both of them.
"Hahaha, you guys don't have to be so formal. We didn't come here today to take up much of your time. Since you are already here, I must assume you already have everything prepared, don't you, Ren?"
Asked the king. Hearing his words, a smile made its place on my face as I replied.
"Of course, I promise I won't let you down"
I said with a smile. Hearing my words, the king smiled.
"Very well"
Said the king, giving me another smile. While this was happening, the two soldiers from before arrived while carrying two huge bags on their backs.
"Lord Ren, here is what you asked me to bring"
Said the soldier, as he gently placed the bags on the ground.
"Thank you for the work"
I said to the soldiers. After they bowed slightly to me and the royal family, the two soldiers turned and started to leave. With that, I turned to them and gave them a smile.
"Now, let's start the tests"
I said as I looked at the "Grenades" that were inside the bag.