The next day, Hael, Loki, and Anthanasia sat around the kitchen table, their expressions somber.
"So, the King wants you to become his guard," Anthanasia said, digesting Hael's words.
Hael nodded.
"And you're doing this of your own free will? He's not forcing you?" she asked, suspicion flickering in her eyes.
"No, this is something I want to do," Hael replied firmly.
At his words, Anthanasia stood up, her face a mixture of concern and alarm. "But what about the guild? I asked the captain to sponsor you because I thought you were planning to join. What will you do now?"
Hael pursed his lips. "I'm sure the captain will understand."
Anthanasia sighed, frustration creeping into her voice. "He'd better. Not that he'll have much of a choice once he finds out you'll be the King's personal guard. What I want to know is why? The King's never needed a guard before—he's the strongest man in the land. So why now?"
Hael shrugged, a faint sense of uncertainty crossing his face. He didn't know either. Even when he asked, the King hadn't given him a clear answer. But deep down, Hael couldn't shake the feeling that the request wasn't purely about security—it might be a way for the King to spend more time with him. Just as Hael had grown fond of the King, perhaps the King felt the same. Whatever the true reason, Hael was more than happy to oblige.
Anthanasia rubbed her temples in exasperation. Realizing she was still standing, she sank back into her seat and looked at him. "If you're happy with this, I guess I can't stop you. But if you're working as his personal guard, that means you'll be living in the palace, right? If you were just another guard, you'd be in the barracks. They're nice enough, but nothing compares to the palace. If that's the case, people will start asking questions. They'll wonder why you're living there, why you're being treated differently. That could cause problems for both of you."
Hael didn't respond immediately. He hadn't considered the implications of his position, but even if trouble arose, he didn't mind. His decision was made.
"Hah," Anthanasia muttered, rubbing her forehead. "I don't know what's gotten into him, but I sincerely hope he treats you well."
Hael smiled reassuringly. "I'm sure he will."
Anthanasia stared at him as though he'd grown a second head. Where does he get that kind of confidence? she wondered, baffled.
*
The following day, Hael returned to the palace. On his way there, a group of guards stopped him and asked him to state his business. Before he could answer, an official from the palace stepped in and granted him entry.
"From now on, this man is permitted to enter and exit the palace as he pleases," the official told the guards.
The soldiers exchanged surprised glances but nodded in acknowledgment.
The official, Genos, led Hael through the palace. Hael followed quietly until they reached a door. Genos knocked, and a voice called out, "Enter."
Inside, Hael was met by a man with black hair intricately braided, dressed in a purple tunic. He looked up, and his purple eyes, matching the color of his tunic, widened in surprise.
"Oh, I see Sir Hael has arrived," he said. Turning to Genos, he gave a small nod, and the official stepped back, closing the door behind him.
The man rose from his desk and approached Hael with an extended hand. Hael instantly recognized him as Anemone, the one who often stood by the King's side.
"It's a pleasure to have you here," Anemone said warmly. "The King informed me of your arrival. Let me give you a tour of the palace and explain the duties you'll have as his personal guard."
True to his word, Anemone showed Hael every part of the palace, except the King's private quarters. Despite having been here before, Hael couldn't help but marvel at the palace's grandeur. The last time, his focus had been entirely on the banquet and the King, but now that there were no distractions, he could appreciate the beauty of the place. What struck him most was how *everything* felt infused with the King's presence. From the decor to the layout, even the floors, it all seemed to scream Ceremus.
Once the tour concluded, Anemone called for the head servant to show Hael to his room.
"As per the King's request, your room will be placed right next to his," Anemone said. He tried to mask his unease, but Hael could see the troubled expression in his eyes.
It was only two days ago when he first heard the news from Ceremus…
"Your Majesty, I—I'm not quite sure what you mean. You want a personal guard?"
Ceremus, perched on the balcony with a glass of wine in hand, glanced at his wide-eyed advisor with a faint, unreadable smile.
"Anemone, have your ears somehow lost their ability to hear these past few days?" Ceremus asked, his voice tinged with amusement.
Anemone's mouth opened and closed in indignation, clearly offended by the remark, but he dared not express his displeasure. "I…I can hear perfectly, thank you for your concern," he replied stiffly.
The King scoffed, making the advisor stiffen. "I just don't understand why you suddenly feel the need for a personal guard. You've never wanted or needed one before."
Ceremus shrugged his shoulders as he laid further back into his chair. "Well, people can change their minds, can't they? And since when have I ever needed to justify any decision I make to you?" His voice dropped several degrees.
A chill ran through the air, and Anemone wisely fell silent, knowing that further words would only land him in deeper trouble.
"I've already found someone to take the position. He'll arrive tomorrow. Be sure to send an official to greet him at the gates," Ceremus said, stepping away from the balcony ledge and heading back into his chambers. He set his golden cup down on the table and made his way toward the hammock.
"W-Who... may I ask, has been chosen for this honorary position as personal guard?" Anemone asked cautiously.
Ceremus didn't look back. "This year's ultimate warrior."
Anemone's brows furrowed in confusion.
"...Ultimate warrior?" His eyes widened in realization. "You don't mean—?"
"Yes," Ceremus interrupted, his tone final. "Make sure to show him around when he arrives. Have clothes and his uniform ready. I'd also like to meet with him once the tour is done."
With that, the King dismissed him.
Anemone stood in stunned silence, his mind racing as the words sank in. He sighed deeply at the memory.
"Your uniform for guarding duties has already been prepared for you as well as an ensemble you can wear on casual days.
Once you have changed into your ensemble, I will guide you to the King's personal quarters." Anemone said after a moment of contemplation.
Hael raised his brows when he heard this."His quarters?"
The advisor nodded. "He wishes to see you." He then closed the door, giving Hael his privacy.