Episode 4: The Audience with the King

Although much had occurred at the training grounds, the time for the audience with the King had finally arrived.

The King sat majestically upon his throne, carved from marble and adorned with intricate gold decorations that shimmered in the light streaming through the tall windows. Beside him stood Minister Mu, rigid and motionless, like a silent guardian watching over the throne.

A deep crimson carpet stretched before the King, running straight toward the entrance. Its edges were trimmed with gold thread, catching the light with a subtle gleam. On either side of the carpet, eighteen retainers—including the heads of the knight brigades—stood in perfect formation, their polished armor gleaming like mirrors, waiting patiently in solemn reverence. The stone expanse of the throne room echoed faintly with the sound of our footsteps, amplifying the tension in the air.

At the appointed hour, the heavy doors of the throne room slowly opened, and Zeke and the female Demon Lord entered. They walked down the carpet with calm, deliberate steps, their shadows stretching beneath the towering vaulted ceiling, every movement seeming guided by fate itself.

Before the King were five grand steps. Zeke and the Demon Lord stopped there and knelt. In this kingdom, it was customary to kneel at such a distance for an audience and speak from that position. Both followed the instructions with meticulous precision.

It was expected that Zeke, known as the Hero, would show such respect. Yet even the Demon Lord—so feared and infamous—had knelt before the King. That alone was enough to leave a lasting impression.

“I know your wounds are yet to heal, and you must still be fatigued. I apologize for summoning you here,” the King began, his deep, resonant voice filling the throne room with authority. His presence demanded immediate attention; no one could ignore him.

“No, Your Majesty. I was eager to learn about this world and to find a way back to our own as soon as possible. I am glad to be here,” Zeke replied calmly, his voice steady and sincere. There was no flattery or unnecessary embellishment—he met the King’s gaze with complete honesty.

“To return… We know nothing of how you arrived in this land, so we cannot offer aid in that. Yet, I understand why you have come here,” the King said, his gaze darkening slightly under the weight of his words.

“Why…?” Zeke tilted his head slightly.

“Long ago, many races besides humans dwelled in this land. Among them was a malevolent race known as the ‘Dragon God Clan.’ Though they appeared mostly human, they possessed dragon-like bodies, the wisdom of gods, and powerful magic—the mightiest of all races.”

The King’s expression darkened further, his voice heavy with the weight of centuries of knowledge and fear.

“The Dragon God Clan considered themselves supreme, believing only they were worthy to rule the world. They exterminated any race that refused to serve them. Twelve hundred years ago, when the world’s population had dwindled to a tenth, ten sages of immense magical power united to seal the Dragon God Clan. But just a year ago, the seal was broken, and now the world faces their threat once more. Towns and kingdoms are falling one by one, and some even pledge allegiance to them. Slowly, the Dragon God Clan is regaining its former strength.”

At this point, the King’s eyes gleamed, a light full of hope and the sharp insight of a ruler who sees destiny itself.

“And it is in the midst of this despair that you two have appeared! When I prayed in the Hall of Prayer for a savior to defeat the Dragon God Clan, you arrived! Can this be anything but fate? You have come from another world to bring peace by defeating the Dragon God Clan! Please, lend us your strength. I have heard of the astonishing power you displayed against Levin and the elite knights of the Earth Brigade.”

For the first time in years, a bright, almost childlike joy appeared on the King’s face. The weight of his duties and worries seemed momentarily lifted, and he appeared to place all hope in these two strangers.

After a long silence, Zeke finally spoke.

“Your Majesty…”

“Will you accept this task?” the King asked, his eyes shining with anticipation.

“I am sorry, but we must decline,” Zeke said firmly.

The words sent a shock of tension through the throne room.

“W-Why?” The King’s expression darkened suddenly.

“I understand the circumstances here, but we know nothing of this land. We have nothing to protect. Being asked to risk our lives for a place we’ve just arrived in is far too unreasonable,” Zeke explained plainly. His reasoning was sound; even heroes have limits, and they had arrived only two days ago. Being asked to fight for strangers’ survival so suddenly was hardly fair.

“I must also decline,” the Demon Lord added.

“I understand the feelings of a ruler who leads her people. The desire to protect one’s nation and subjects is natural. But I too must return home swiftly to reassure my people.”

Her words, her posture, carried the dignity and grace of a true sovereign. Any notion of demons as savage or cruel was instantly dispelled by her regal presence.

“However, Your Majesty,” Zeke continued, “we do not know when we will return. We will travel the world seeking a way back. If along the way we come to care for this land and wish to protect it, we will lend you our strength.”

With that, Zeke and the Demon Lord turned their backs on the King and began walking toward the exit.

The King’s head drooped, his body trembling in quiet frustration. His wish had been denied, and there was nothing he could do.

At that moment, the voice of the Fire Brigade Captain, Saran, cut sharply through the air.

“Wait!!”

The entire throne room froze at the commanding tone. Saran, the kingdom’s strongest knight, stood firm, crimson sword drawn, exuding an aura of unyielding authority.

“You shall not leave without fulfilling the King’s wish!”

Zeke and the Demon Lord did not seek a fight, yet they did not stop moving forward.

“Please, we cannot lend you our strength, but you treated our wounds and offered us shelter. We do not wish to fight,” Zeke said.

“The way you speak… you act as if you believe you could defeat me. You bested Levin, but I am not so easily overcome,” Saran said, pointing his crimson blade at Zeke.

At that instant, the doors behind Saran burst open, and a knight rushed in.

“Your Majesty! It’s urgent! Two hundred minions of the Dragon God Clan have entered the castle town. The Dragon God Clan itself is not present, but their subordinates and monsters are!”

“What!? Levin, Christopher! Take your knights and head to the castle town immediately! Saran, remain here and guard the palace!”

“Yes, Your Majesty!!”

Following the King’s orders, I led the Ice Knights toward the castle town. The majestic columns and towering ceilings of the palace we left behind seemed to foreshadow the storm approaching outside, while our hearts tightened with grim determination.

To be continued…