A few days later, in the afternoon, Kevin, Cu Chulainn, and their party arrived at Lask.
During their journey, Kevin had not been idle. He had tasked the spies to collect intelligence about the kingdom and its royal family.
The girl Cu Chulainn admired was named Emer, the youngest daughter of King Fergal. Known for her natural beauty, intelligence, and grace, she was said to be virtuous and chaste—a combination that had gained her fame across the continent.
A year ago, Cu Chulainn had met Emer during an extravagant feast hosted in the kingdom and had been captivated by her ever since. His obsession with her led to this journey.
Initially, Kevin doubted Emer's chastity. After all, in an era as open as this one, it was uncommon for a woman of her age to remain unmarried and untouched. Most girls were considered of marriageable age by fourteen, and Emer was nearly seventeen.
However, after hearing more about her father, King Fergal, Kevin began to believe it. Known as a man obsessed with his daughters, Fergal had several daughters, the eldest of whom was over twenty-three and still unmarried.
Otherwise, Cu Chulainn wouldn't have made an offhand suggestion that Kevin might pick one of Fergal's daughters for himself.
Fergal was infamous for his tendency to hoard beauty. He had even constructed a grand palace outside the city, heavily guarded and home to an array of stunning women.
Walking into the city of Lask was like stepping into a realm of unparalleled beauty. Except for the male guards, the streets seemed filled with elegant women clad in rich, colorful attire. Members of the Red Branch Knights, except for Kevin, Cu Chulainn, and Connor, were visibly overwhelmed by the sheer allure of the place.
Following the servant's instructions, Kevin and his party arrived at the grand hall. A burly middle-aged man sat on a throne draped in animal fur. He was enormous, at least two meters tall, and rested with his eyes closed.
"Your Majesty, we have guests," the servant announced.
The man opened his eyes, their sharpness carrying an intimidating weight that filled the room.
"Greetings, King Fergal," Connor stepped forward respectfully. "We are members of the Red Branch Knights from the Kingdom of Ulster. We have come to your land seeking friendly exchanges."
Having learned of Fergal's obsession with his daughters, the group had agreed to use diplomacy as an excuse to stay in the palace and bide their time.
Cu Chulainn, eager to meet Emer, had initially objected to the plan. However, seeing Kevin's agreement, he reluctantly conceded.
"These are gifts from our kingdom," Connor continued, gesturing to Bruel and the other knights carrying Cu Chulainn's offerings.
The massive King Fergal remained silent, resting his chin on his hand as he studied the group. His sharp gaze eventually settled on Kevin.
"The Man of Miracles, Kevin," Fergal said, his voice deep and hoarse. "Do you think this king is a fool?"
The unexpected question caught everyone off guard.
Kevin, stunned for a moment, quickly composed himself. "No, I do not," he said with a calm smile. He stepped forward and saluted respectfully.
"Then why do we have to play out this charade?" Fergal asked, adjusting his posture.
Cu Chulainn frowned, about to speak, but Connor subtly stopped him with a slight shake of his head.
"This is no charade," Kevin replied evenly. "Our kingdom sincerely wishes for amicable relations with yours. These gifts were personally chosen by King Conchieber for this journey."
Fergal scrutinized Kevin for a long moment before nodding to the servants to accept the offerings.
"But that's not your only purpose, is it?"
"You are correct," Kevin admitted, his voice steady. "Your Majesty, your daughters' beauty, wisdom, and virtue are renowned across the continent."
Fergal's expression remained inscrutable. "Do you have any idea how many great warriors visit here each year, seeking my daughters?"
Kevin smiled. "But Your Majesty, how many of those men are truly heroes, capable of earning your respect?"
At Kevin's bold words, the Red Branch Knights behind him exchanged incredulous glances. Even Cu Chulainn stared at him in disbelief.
What an audacious way with words!
If Kevin had known their thoughts, he might have laughed. Compared to the slick-talking keyboard warriors of the modern age, his words were tame. Yet in this era, his eloquence seemed exceptional.
"Haha! A hero of today?" Fergal laughed, rising from his throne to his full height. He loomed over the group, his eyes locked on Kevin. "So, you think you're the hero of today?"
Kevin shook his head and turned to pull Cu Chulainn forward. "My brother, Cu Chulainn, is the hero of today!"
Cu Chulainn shot Kevin a confused look, but Kevin's sharp glare silenced him.
"Cu Chulainn?" Fergal's laughter faded, and his expression darkened. "Kevin, the Man of Miracles, what do you mean by this?"
Kevin froze for a moment, then quickly pieced it together.
He thinks I'm the one proposing?!
"Yes, Cu Chulainn," Kevin clarified with a smile, ignoring the absurdity of the situation. "My brother, the son of the Sun God himself! Surely you've heard of him. This year, at just fifteen years of age, he completed ten warrior trials and joined the prestigious Red Branch Knights!"
Fergal studied Cu Chulainn, then Kevin, before sitting down once more, his expression unreadable.
"Bring them in," Fergal finally ordered a servant.
Moments later, five young women entered the hall, each one breathtakingly beautiful in her unique way.
When the youngest and most striking of them appeared, Cu Chulainn's gaze locked onto her, unable to look away.
"Kevin, what do you think of my daughters?" Fergal asked.
"They are so beautiful they could topple entire kingdoms," Kevin replied without hesitation.
Fergal's expression softened with pride. "Since their fame spread across the continent, many suitors have come, yet none have succeeded in winning them. But today, I'll give you a chance."
He turned his piercing gaze on Kevin. "If you swear allegiance to my kingdom, you may choose any one of them to wed!"
The atmosphere in the room grew tense. Bruel's face darkened with anger, and he instinctively reached for his axe before Connor stopped him.
Connor's frown deepened, but he remained composed.
Unlike the others, he was not worried.
Kevin, as far as he knew, had never shown interest in marriage or women.
Indeed, he felt confident that Kevin would never agree to such a proposal.
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