Chapter 41 - Vesteria Kingdom and Elite Guard [4] (1/2)

41. Vesteria Kingdom and Elite Guard [4]

The capital of Vesteria, Arlond.

We were guided by a group in formal dress through the castle towering over the surroundings.

(That’s amazing…)

The castle was decorated with magnificent sculptures that make you feel the history of each piece, gorgeous chandeliers, and unique paintings that looked like masterpieces. It was a completely different world from the countryside where I grew up.

「It’s only been 3 months and yet… I feel a little nostalgic.」

As we walked down the wide hallway, Ria expressed her thoughts.

「Oh yeah, for Ria, this is your home.」

There are times when I sometimes forget that she is a princess, since we’re always together..

「Yeah, I used to run around the castle when I was little.」

「Ahaha, I can easily imagine that.」

「…Nee, Allen. Is that a compliment?」

「Un, I wonder?」

「Mou, don’t tease me!」

When we were conversing as such,

「-Beyond this point is the throne room. Please take care not to be rude before His Majesty the King.」

The five, in formal dress, bowed their heads deeply.

Apparently, only I and Ria will be going to the throne room.

「…Let’s go.」

「Un.」

And then we started walking forward.

(Fuu… I’m nervous)

I was born in the countryside and have never talked to someone of high rank such as His Majesty the King.

Good manners, behavior, language, etc… There are so many things to worry about.

And then,

「It’s alright, Allen. You are invited as a friend of mine today. Just be confident as a guest.」

Even if you say that…

The other party is the king of a country – I have to take care of manners and conduct.

「F-For the time being… I’ll be careful not to be rude.」

Then we walked straight for a while – there was a big, regal door.

On both sides of the door stood two guards clad in sturdy-looking armor.

They turned their cold, sharp gaze towards me for a moment, and soon after, they saluted Ria.

「Welcome home, Ria-sama.」

「His Majesty the King is waiting. -Please enter.」

When the two guards opened the heavy doors, there was a figure of the King sitting on the throne and Claude-san standing behind him.

(So this is the King of Vesteria – Gris-Vesteria…)

Sharp big eyes.

Shortly cut, same bright blonde hair as Ria.

The well-groomed imposing goatee is a little grey due to age.

He seems to be in his mid-forties.

A golden crown was placed on the head, and the figure wearing a red cloak was exactly that of a king.

「Oo! You’ve returned, Ria!」

His Majesty Gris got up from the throne and rushed to Ria with a full smile.

「I’m home, father.」

「Oo, Oo! I’m really glad that you’re doing well! Papa was worried sick about you…」

「Thank you. But I’m already 15 years old now, so you don’t have to worry so much.」

After that, when the conversation between the two seemed to have ended, I started to introduce myself politely.

「Nice to meet you, my name is Allen-Rodore, I am a first-year student of Thousand Blade Academy. Getting along well with Ria-san–」

「So you’re the bastard, Allen-Rodore!」

His Majesty Gris cut me off and turned his hateful eyes towards me.

「I heard from Claude! You used crooked means on my daughter and fiddled with her body and mind – the worst of the worst!」

「N-No, that’s not tru-」

「Show your strength.」

「…Eh?」

「If you want my daughter, demonstrate that you are the strongest in all of Vesteria!」

His majesty gave himself up to anger and shouted in a loud voice that reverberated throughout the castle.

(…This line. Now that I think about it, I think it came up in one of the stories Ria told during summer camp…)

I never thought I’d be in that position though.

(A-Anyway, this is bad…)

I have to get rid of the misunderstanding quickly before the story takes a weird turn…!

「Your Majesty Gris, please listen to me! Actually, there was a big misunderstanding about the matter-」

And as I somehow tried to explain things,

「Shut up, shut up! I’ve heard that you’re a crook who excels in the art of conversation, and can easily seduce the party you’re talking to!」

He didn’t listen to me at all.

Claude-san, who was behind His Majesty, curled the corners of his mouth into a disgusting smile..

(That Claude-san…)