"Your Highness, you have a clue? What do you mean? Was someone really behind it?" Klein asked in confusion.
Arthur hesitated, carefully choosing his words. He couldn't afford to reveal too much, especially about his transmigration. After a brief pause, he spoke cautiously, "I don't have a definite answer yet. This is just a guess, and I might be wrong."
Klein's confusion deepened, but he stayed silent as Arthur continued. "I believe I might have an ability—something that cancels out magic. That could explain why the fireball disappeared when it came toward me."
"But it's only a theory, and I need to test it to be certain. That's where you come in. I need you to find a mage—a strong one you trust implicitly—who can help with this, but it must remain absolutely confidential. Also, I want this mage to become my personal guard starting today. Take your time selecting someone who fits these criteria."
Klein blinked, trying to process the idea. "Cancel magic? I've never heard of anything like that. How would that even work?"
Arthur took a deep breath before answering, "As I understand it, if a magical attack is directed at me, I might be able to nullify it entirely. But again, this is just my hypothesis. I haven't tested it yet, which is why I need your help."
Klein nodded slowly, though skepticism lingered in his expression. "If that's true, then what about everyday magic? For instance, when maids use spells to summon water for cooking or cleaning, would their magic fail around you? Or can you control which magic you cancel?"
Arthur frowned thoughtfully. "That's something I'll need to figure out. Like I said, it's just a theory for now. I haven't experienced enough to say for sure. That's why testing this ability is so important. I trust you to find someone who's strong, discreet, and willing to take on the role of my bodyguard."
Klein straightened and gave a firm nod. "Understood, Your Majesty. I'll find someone suitable—someone who can be trusted to keep this a secret. I already have a few candidates in mind, but I'll make sure to vet them thoroughly before presenting them to you. Expect an answer by tomorrow."
Arthur nodded, a small smile of gratitude on his lips. "Thank you, Klein. I trust your judgment."
With that, Klein bowed and left the room, leaving Arthur alone in his chamber. Arthur leaned back in his chair, staring at the intricate patterns on the ceiling as his thoughts swirled.
Before he could delve deeper into his thoughts, a loud growl from his stomach interrupted him, pulling him back to reality. Hunger, sharp and insistent, made itself known. With a resigned sigh, Arthur called for his valet.
Moments later, he left the chamber and made his way to the dining hall, ready to quell his hunger with lunch.
After finishing lunch, Arthur decided to make his way to the library, a determined spark in his eyes. If he was going to make sense of this world and his place within it, knowledge would be his greatest ally.
In the quiet sanctuary of the library, surrounded by towering shelves of books and scrolls, Arthur immersed himself in his studies. He revisited the details of his earlier conversation with Odette, cross-referencing her accounts with historical records and other texts. As expected, the results were similar to what she had told him.
Yet, Arthur's curiosity led him further. He delved deeper into the mysteries of gates, heroes, mages, and knights. The more he read, the clearer the timeline became: the last gates had appeared 45 years ago, leaving a mere five years before the next cycle was expected to begin. And once the gates emerged, there would be a two-year window before monsters and other creatures started spilling forth.
Arthur leaned back in his chair, his thoughts a mix of urgency and determination. I have five years to transform this kingdom into a thriving nation where most citizens are no longer struggling, and to strengthen our military. Then, another two years to prepare for defending against the monsters pouring out of the gates. If the kingdom doesn't improve by then, it will undoubtedly fall and my death would be inevitable.
His brows furrowed as he continued to strategize. To prevent that disaster, the military must be reinforced. But improving the military requires money—money to train, equip, and sustain our forces. And to generate that money, the lives of Keldoria's people must improve. The kingdom's prosperity depends on its citizens. If they prosper, our treasury will benefit from the taxes collected from the populace.
A pang of frustration flared within him. Yet I've done so little to enact meaningful changes. Every day that passes without action is another day wasted.
Arthur paused, taking a deep breath to calm his racing thoughts. Still, I can't blame myself entirely. When I transmigrated into this body, I inherited a kingdom in disarray—a king despised by his own people, a nation drowning in debt, and the weakest among the eight kingdoms in Nova continents. Improving relationships with the nobles and earning the trust of my people is essential before I can achieve any real progress.
A bitter smile crossed his face as he muttered internally, Why did the gods—or whoever brought me here—choose such a miserable starting point? Was this some twisted joke?
Shaking his head, Arthur sighed deeply and refocused. Complaining won't change a thing. No matter the reason, this is my reality now. If I don't act decisively, the consequences will be catastrophic—not just for me, but for Keldoria and its people.
He straightened in his seat, resolved to harden. The first step is clear. It's time to start implementing Project Stabilization.
With that thought, Arthur buried himself in plans, pouring over strategies and ideas for the rest of the day. The hours passed quickly, and before he realized it, a knock came at the door. It was the valet, informing him that dinner was ready.
Arthur glanced at the clock—it was already 6:30 PM. Stretching his stiff limbs, he rose from his chair, leaving the library behind.
After eating dinner, Arthur retired for the night, his mind already turning over plans for the days ahead.
…
In a narrow alleyway,
Two figures, clad in black attire that shrouded their bodies, stood facing each other. Only the lower halves of their faces were visible. One of them asked in a hushed tone "Didn't you claim to have successfully assassinated King Arthur Jr.? Then why is he still alive—and why are there reports of him turning over a new leaf, even punishing a noble for abusing his power?"
The other figure stiffened but responded evenly. "I did assassinate him. That day, I drove ice magic straight into his heart. I have no idea how he survived. Perhaps someone is impersonating him."
The taller figure cut in, voice cold and unwavering. "I don't care about your excuses. What I do know is that our lord is furious. You've been given one last chance to complete the mission properly. And let me make this clear—if you fail again, it won't just be the mission that's terminated. Your life will be forfeit as well."
A tense silence hung between them before the second figure nodded. "I won't fail this time. Whether it's the real King Arthur Jr. or someone disguised as him, I'll ensure he's dead."
"Good." With that, the taller figure turned and disappeared into the shadows, leaving an air of menace in their wake.
Left alone, the remaining figure's lips curled into a sinister smile. She muttered under her breath, "I don't know who you really are, but I will make sure to kill you in the most painful death."