Although many events had transpired at the training ground, the time had finally come for the audience with the King.
The King sat majestically upon his throne, carved from marble and adorned with intricate gold decorations that shimmered in the light streaming from the high windows. Beside him stood Minister Mu, upright and motionless, like a guardian silently watching over the throne.
Before the King stretched a deep crimson carpet, running in a straight line, its edges bordered with gold thread that caught 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 armor polished to a mirror shine, 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 long beneath the towering, vaulted ceiling, each movement seemingly guided by fate itself.
Before the King stood a set of 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 to converse from this position. Both of them had followed the instructions given to them with meticulous precision.
It was expected for Zeke, known as the Hero, to show such respect. But even the Demon Lord—so feared and so notorious—had knelt before the King. That alone was enough to leave a lasting impression.
“I know your wounds have yet to heal, and your fatigue is still present. I apologize for summoning you here,” the King began, his voice deep and resonant, filling the throne room with authority. His presence commanded immediate attention, a power that none could ignore.
“No, Your Majesty. I was eager to learn about this world and to find a way back to our own as quickly as possible. So I am glad to be here,” Zeke replied calmly, his voice steady and sincere. There was no flattery, no unnecessary embellishment—he faced the King directly 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, weighed by the gravity 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 the bodies of dragons, the wisdom of gods, and potent magical power—the mightiest of all races.”
The King’s expression darkened further, his voice growing heavier, carrying the weight of centuries of knowledge and fear.
“The Dragon God Clan considered themselves supreme, believing only they were worthy to govern the world. They exterminated any race that would not serve them. Twelve hundred years ago, when the world’s population had dwindled to a tenth, ten sages of immense magical power united and sealed the Dragon God Clan. But only a year ago, the seal was broken, and the world now faces their threat once again. Towns and kingdoms across the lands are falling one by one to their influence, 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 brightly, a light full of both 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 one call this anything but fate? You have come from another world to bring peace to this land by defeating the Dragon God Clan! Please, lend us your strength. I have heard of the astonishing power you displayed earlier 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 had been temporarily lifted, and he seemed to place all hope in these two strangers.
After a long silence, Zeke finally spoke.
“Your Majesty…”
“Will you accept the 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 of this world, but we know nothing of it. We have nothing here to protect. Being asked to risk our lives for a place we have just arrived at is far too unreasonable,” Zeke stated plainly. His reasoning was sound; even heroes have limits, and two days ago they had arrived in this land. 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. The stereotype of demons as savage and 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 to seek 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 strongest knight in the kingdom, stood firm, crimson sword drawn, projecting an aura of unyielding authority.
“You shall not leave without fulfilling the wish of our King!”
Zeke and the Demon Lord did not seek battle, yet they did not stop their advance.
“Please, we cannot lend you our strength, but you have treated our wounds and offered us shelter. We do not wish to fight,” Zeke said.
“The way you speak… you sound as if you believe you could defeat me. You bested Levin, but I am not so easily overcome,” Saran said, pointing his crimson blade toward 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, which we left behind, seemed to foretell the storm approaching outside, while our hearts tightened with grim determination.
To be continued
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