The maids entered and brought various types of snacks.
There are different sizes of baked bread, both soft and crispy. The room was filled with the fragrant, mouth-watering smell of buttercream from the freshly baked goods.
As the snacks were placed on the table, Melvin, Lance, and Mira did not move.
However, inwardly, they were all salivating but tried to hide their hunger.
"Go ahead and have some. You must be hungry after waiting for the Aptitude test to finish," the king ordered.
Mira and Lance eagerly reached for the food.
Lance ate quickly, shoveling pieces of bread and cheese into his mouth.
Melvin, however, hesitated, his eyes darting between the king and the food.
"Wow, this is delicious! Every kind of bread here is amazing," Lance exclaimed, his eyes wide with delight as he grabbed another piece.
"Yes, because it's freshly baked. Take it easy, or you might choke," the king replied with a chuckle.
Melvin watched the interaction, his skepticism growing.
However, the aroma of the freshly baked bread was enticing, and he could feel his stomach rumbling.
Finally, he couldn't resist any longer. He raised his hand tentatively, his brow furrowed with concern.
"May I ask a question since you authorized us to be honest?" Melvin asked.
"Go ahead," the king said, smiling warmly at him, his posture relaxed and open.
Melvin took a deep breath, gathering his courage. "Isn't it too much, your Majesty? I mean, the way you're treating us…"
The king paused, a look of sadness crossing his face.
He bowed his head slightly toward them, a gesture of humility, while still seated in his chair.
The room seemed to hold its breath.
After a moment, Crixus followed suit, bowing deeply to the three young people.
"I'm sorry if I gave you the wrong impression of how I'm treating you," the king said softly. His voice carried a weight of sorrow.
He took a deep breath before continuing, his eyes distant as he shared the troubles of his kingdom.
"Honestly, I'm losing hope for saving the earth and leading this country. Many people died in the last war. My four captains passed away, and many of my elite knights sacrificed their lives just to defend our kingdom."
As the king spoke, his pain was palpable.
Mira, Lance, and Melvin could feel the heavy burden he carried.
"Soon a calamity will come. Not only will the war affect the other countries, but the true monster will attack us."
"What do you mean by calamities and true monsters, your Majesty?" Melvin asked.
"The prophecy will soon come true. A red dragon with his army will destroy the earth."
Mira was shocked to hear that because it was the same vision God had shown her.
She immediately believed the king.
Lance and Melvin swallowed hard, their throats dry, as the gravity of the situation sank in.
"Even though we won while defending this kingdom, we couldn't celebrate because of the numerous casualties that resulted from it," the king continued. "Honestly, until now, we haven't recovered yet."
Back then, many lives were lost. Soldiers fought bravely, but civilians also fell.
Many died, leaving the survivors in shock and grief.
"Other kingdoms are also trying to unite to take over my kingdom," the king said, his voice trembling with anger.
"They intend to use it for their own gain. They are full of corruption, wanting to monopolize the Sphere of Aetherium for their benefit to rule the world. They don't see the potential disaster that could happen."
Mira clenched her fists, her eyes filled with frustration.
'If only everyone in the world could work together, we could easily overcome the upcoming monsters,' she thought.
Crixus added, his expression serious. "Last year, an organization started to form, rebelling and causing chaos," he said, pacing back and forth.
"Several soldiers turned their backs on us, choosing the offer of positions or wealth if they succeeded in conquering the palace."
The king sighed deeply. The weight of his responsibilities showed in his weary eyes and slumped shoulders.
Dealing with these simultaneous situations every day left him exhausted.
He had headaches, no appetite, and was sinking into depression.
Mira, Crixus, and the others looked at the king, realizing his goodness.
They saw his efforts to maintain the kingdom's welfare and to save the world.
The king looked at them. "You may be wondering why I am generous to you. This is all I can do, as a King, to support your needs. I know your lives are on the line."
Mira stood up immediately, moving to a spot beside the table where the king could see her. She looked him straight in the eyes, her expression firm.
"You don't need to belittle yourself, your Majesty," she said with conviction. "When I joined the knights, my intention from day one was to maintain the peace that we have now."
She bowed deeply. "As I promised, I will fight for humanity until my last breath."
Lance followed her lead, stepping forward and bowing to the king. "I promise to help bring peace to the kingdom and suppress those with ill intentions," he said.
Melvin, feeling a surge of enlightenment, realized the king's true goodness and concern for the people.
He quickly joined Mira and Lance, kneeling before the king.
"Please forgive my doubts. From now on, I, Melvin Smith, am ready to serve you and the kingdom for the rest of my life!" he declared.
The king's smile was warm and full of relief as he listened to their words.
He stood up and approached them, his eyes shining with gratitude.
"Now I can rest easy knowing the three of you are with me," he said.
He glanced at Crixus, who nodded and stepped out.
Moments later, the king's men entered, carrying gifts meant for the three loyal knights.
Two soldiers entered, their boots echoing on the stone floor. They carried a large, ornate treasure box, placing it carefully in front of Mira, Lance, and Melvin.
The hinges creaked as they opened it, revealing three weapons with different, intricately designed handles inside.
A gladiator sword, a katana, and a spear that look sturdy and sharp. Each handle contained a blue gem in the middle.
"These weapons were made by people devoted to combating enemies. They are filled with their sweat, blood, and hard work to ensure victory."
He approached Mira and gently placed the katana on her head.
"This will be your strength and faith in times of danger. It symbolizes your loyalty to the Elaris Kingdom. Now, accept what god has bestowed upon you."
Mira looked up at him. "Thank you, your Majesty," she said, her voice steady as she accepted the sword.
The king then moved to Lance and repeated it, his hands steady as he blessed him.
"This spear is your symbol of faith and loyalty," he said. Lance took the spear, feeling a surge of resolve.
"I will serve faithfully," he promised.
Finally, the king stood before Melvin. He placed the gladiator sword on Melvin's head, speaking with the same gravity.
"This is your strength and a mark of your devotion to our kingdom."
As Melvin felt the sword, his forehead scrunched up. Feeling at ease already with the King, he couldn't help but voice out the question in his head.
"How did you know our weapons of specialty, your Majesty?" he asked.
"Hahaha!" the King laughed. "The High Priest reported to me. And I think you already knew how he did it, right?"
"Yes, your Majesty," Melvin replied. "He can see through us and our future as well."
The king smiled. "You are right." Then he added, "The kingdom has different types of weapons that an Elite Knight could need. We are prepared even before you have come here. I hope that answered your question." He smiled at Melvin.
Melvin nodded and accepted the gladiator sword, his grip firm.
"I am honored to serve," he said.
As the king stepped back, he saw the fire of determination in their eyes, now more intense and solidified.