The day after the attack by the Dragonkin’s forces, Zeke and the Demon Queen stood once again before the king.
Though the invasion had been repelled, the damage was severe.
Countless were injured, and the lower city lay in ruins.
Under such circumstances, proper discussion had been impossible the day before.
Thus, the audience had been postponed until now.
Just like before, the royal court was filled with attendants lined along both sides of the hall.
“Hero… Demon Queen… I cannot express how grateful I am,” the king said, rising from his throne and bowing deeply.
“You truly are the saviors of this kingdom.”
“Oh, no need for that,” Zeke replied casually.
“We’ve simply repaid the debt we owe for your hospitality.”
The king returned to his seat and continued.
“The power of the Dragonkin is indeed terrifying. Even a small force caused such devastation… And yet, the two of you drove them back with ease. I would very much like for you to remain in this kingdom…”
“Your Majesty,” Zeke interrupted gently, “as I said yesterday, we must find a way back to our world as soon as possible. We plan to leave this kingdom after this audience.”
He refused without hesitation.
“I see… That is unfortunate,” the king said quietly.
“But it is the wish of our benefactors. I cannot deny it.”
He paused, then added with resolve:
“This land’s problems must be solved by those who belong to it. After what we have witnessed, I will work with the knight captains to reform our training—make it more practical, more rigorous.”
“We’ll take our leave, then.”
With that, Zeke and the Demon Queen turned and walked out of the throne room.
As captain of the knights, I knew the king was right.
I had to grow stronger.
Not just myself—but the entire order.
We needed to be better prepared to protect this kingdom.
And yet…
No matter what I did—
I couldn’t get those two out of my mind.
Their backs.
Their strength.
I wanted to chase after them.
“Your Majesty!!!”
Before I knew it, I had shouted.
The court fell silent.
The king looked at me, surprised.
“Christopher… what is it?”
There was no turning back now.
“Your Majesty… please allow me to accompany them on their journey.”
The room erupted in murmurs.
“That is unacceptable!” one of the ministers shouted.
“Have you forgotten yesterday’s attack?! Strengthening the knight order is urgent! If you, the captain, leave—discipline will collapse!”
“They are correct,” I said.
“I understand that what I ask is selfish… beyond measure.”
I clenched my fist.
“But yesterday… I was useless.”
Not a single thing I did mattered.
“I cannot protect this kingdom as I am now. Leaving this land, seeing the world, traveling alongside them… learning their strength—
And then returning stronger—”
“That is the greatest way I can serve this kingdom.”
I lifted my head and met the king’s gaze.
“Vice-Captain Chilia will lead the Ice Knights in my absence.
And with Sir Saran and Sir Levin here, the kingdom’s defense will not falter.”
I said it.
I actually said it.
A knight captain… abandoning his post.
In a time like this.
Execution would not have been surprising.
But—
I couldn’t lie to myself.
No matter the consequence.
Silence fell.
It felt like an eternity.
The king rested his head on his hand, deep in thought.
Minutes passed.
Then—
“Christopher…”
He finally spoke.
“Go.”
The court stirred in shock.
“You have devoted your entire life to this kingdom,” the king continued.
“Even as a child, you would sneak into the training grounds… secretly practicing your sword.”
A faint smile crossed his face.
“I watched you grow. To me… you are like a son.”
My chest tightened.
“In all these years, I have never once seen you act selfishly.
You always put this kingdom before yourself.”
He looked directly at me.
“And now, for the first time… you ask something for yourself.”
His voice softened.
“That is something a parent cannot refuse.”
My vision blurred.
“Go. See the world.”
Then, with quiet strength—
“And return stronger than anyone.”
“Stronger than the Dragonkin…”
“Stronger than those two.”
Tears spilled down my face before I could stop them.
What a great man…
I had always taken pride in serving as a knight captain.
But never—
Never had I felt more honored to serve this king.
“Yes… I will.”
I bowed deeply.
“I will surpass them.”
Applause rose throughout the hall.
And in that moment—
I knew—
I would never forget this day for the rest of my life.
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