Arthur awoke half an hour later, and Clerk Maxwell's arrival was a complete surprise. Even more surprising was the hint of kindness and amiability in the King's expression. Arthur's mind raced, quickly considering several possibilities. Disguise, however, was paramount. He knew this was an opportunity. A good conversation with Clerk Maxwell could significantly improve his life in the Capital of Kingdom Dawn. "Your Majesty," Arthur exclaimed, eager to rise. "Why are you here?" The King gently placed a hand on Arthur's shoulder, preventing him from getting up. "Your injury hasn't healed yet," he said softly. "Rest. Don't push yourself." Arthur's eyes welled up with what appeared to be heartfelt emotion. His voice thick with unshed tears, he managed, "Thank you, Your Majesty." Clerk Maxwell sat in the chair beside the bed and sighed. "Arthur," he began, "you've suffered so much these past years." Arthur bit his lip, tears now streaming down his face, as if years of hardship were finally finding release. The King watched him for a moment before asking, "Arthur, do you hate the Capital of Kingdom Dawn?" Arthur immediately shook his head. "How could I? My parents were the ones who defected. The Capital of Kingdom Dawn graciously took me in, the son of a fallen knight. I am eternally grateful. Before my mother passed, she asked me to atone for their mistakes. I could never hate the Kingdom Dawn!" Clerk Maxwell remained silent, his expression unchanged. After a pause, he asked, "Do you hate the Ashgrey family?" Arthur's face darkened, the word "Hate!" practically exploding from his lips. "My parents betrayed Kingdom Dawn because of the Ashgrey family's tyranny. They kept my parents apart! After I returned, they not only rejected me but also tormented me, calling me a bastard. It's because of the Ashgreys that the citizens of the capital despise me. I never wanted to be an Ashgrey. They disowned me, and I disowned them. Yet, they've turned the entire Capital of Kingdom Dawn against me! It's all because of the Ashgreys!" This time, Clerk Maxwell's expression shifted. He sighed. "I've always felt guilty about your situation, Arthur. As King, I'm constrained. This is an internal Ashgrey matter, and it's not appropriate for me to interfere. I hope you understand.However," he continued, his eyes burning into Arthur's, "I'm offering you a
chance. I can restore you to the Ashgrey family. You would be a true Ashgrey. Do
you accept?"
Arthur refused without hesitation. "I'm sorry, Your Majesty, but I can't."
Clerk Maxwell's eyes narrowed. "Why?"
"I won't join the Ashgrey family begging," Arthur replied. "Even with Your
Majesty's influence, it won't change anything."
"But," the King countered, "joining the Ashgreys would stop the discrimination. It
would drastically improve your life. Don't you want that?"
Arthur shook his head. "Your Majesty, I know why the citizens despise me. It's
because of my Ashgrey blood. The Ashgreys abuse their position as Kingdom
Dawn Guardians to bully the commoners. If I rejoin them, the public might hide
their disdain, but they'll still look down on me."
Clerk Maxwell interrupted him sharply. "Watch your words! The Kingdom Dawn
Guardians were established by the Second King, and the Ashgrey family has
served the kingdom well. As a citizen of Kingdom Dawn, you cannot slander a
knightly family that has contributed so much!"
That old fox, Arthur thought. He knows about my troubles with the Ashgreys. He's
just playing a part. Arthur knew Clerk Maxwell was acting. Otherwise, he wouldn't
have mentioned the Second King and emphasized Arthur's status as a citizen of
Kingdom Dawn.
"Your Majesty," Arthur said firmly, "I don't want to join the Ashgreys. I want to
become a knight and serve the kingdom. I want to atone for my parents'
mistakes, and I want the commoners to respect me for my own achievements. I
want them to know that I, Arthur, am not an Ashgrey. I am not a traitor. I am a
knight loyal to Kingdom Dawn. That is all!"
Clerk Maxwell nodded approvingly. "It's a difficult task to earn the respect of the
entire capital. Are you ready, Arthur?"
Arthur's expression was resolute. "I am, Your Majesty!"
Clerk Maxwell looked at him as if he were a promising young man. "Very well,
Arthur. I believe you can do it. Since you refuse to join the Ashgreys, I won't force
you. Your current residence is too remote. After you're discharged, I'll arrange a
new house for you, closer to the Knight Academy. It will be much more
convenient."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Arthur replied, breathing a sigh of relief inwardly.
Talking to that old fox is exhausting. He knew the King's initial questions were
traps. Hating the Capital of Kingdom Dawn would have been suicide. Saying he
didn't hate the Ashgreys would have been equally foolish. The Ashgreys were thesource of his misery. Expressing his hatred allowed him to demonstrate his loyalty and his desire to become a Kingdom Dawn knight, not an Ashgrey knight. The suggestion of joining the Ashgreys was just a test. Now, the promise of a house near the academy meant Clerk Maxwell believed him. If all went well, Arthur would graduate as a King's Knight. While the King might not care about the discrimination he faced, at least he wouldn't be completely marginalized after becoming a knight. After all, even knights needed connections.