Chapter 766 - The Worlds Armies (1/2)

Chapter 766 - The World's Armies

After the Royal Army was settled down in their barracks, I followed the king to the palace. We entered straight into the inner halls. None of the officials were there, only King Rob, Pearl, Theodore and Owen. They were all among the most famous people in the city, and the entire Tian Ling City Empire was within the palm of their family’s hands.

After I slid off my horse, I carried my swords on my back as I entered the palace. I felt somewhat conflicted, and finally decided to formally greet them, “I pay my respects to his majesty, and their highnesses, the crown prince, the second prince and the princess!”

Pearl smiled and nodded in acknowledgement, “General Li Xiao Yao, there’s no need to be so polite!”

King Rob also smiled to me, “Yes, no need to be so stiff!”

I decided to not beat around the bush, “Just what does his highness want to discuss with me?”

King Rob’s eyes lit up, “General Li, you have exhibited great skill in leading troops. You managed to straighten up such a disorganized and messy army in such a short time, not to mention strengthen it enough to hold off the Hybrid Demon troops. You have killed two thousand Hybrid Demons with a rotten and rusty army. This is definitely an impressive feat!”

I wasn’t sure how I was supposed to respond. My thoughts were jumbled and I said, “It was all due to the will of my soldiers. Nothing else.”

King Rob said, “Even if that was the case, you, General Li, are a superbly rare hero, even amongst the great heroes throughout history.”

I furrowed my brow and said, “Your majesty, just what is it?”

Pearl cut in, “General Li Xiao Yao, do you know why father has bestowed a Royal Flag onto the Royal Army?”

“Why?” I had actually not paid any particular attention to that.

The Crown Prince Owen coldly laughed, “Don’t try to play ignorant. The reason Father gave you a Royal Flag is because he intends to make you into a Lord. As long as you remain loyal to father and properly perform your duties to the kingdom, becoming a Lord is not a far fetched dream.”

I smiled, “So it was like that!”

King Rob stepped towards me, a crimson sword in his hand, “General Li, this is a Sword of Knights. It was created by the empire’s best weaponsmiths. There are only three Sword of Knights like this in the entire Tian Ling City. One is in the hands of Theodore, while the other is with Owen. And now, there is this one. Right now, I am planning on giving it to you. But, in order for me to do so, you must promise me one thing.”

“What is it?”

King Robwaved his hand, displaying his grand attitude, “Kneel before me, claim yourself as a servant to the empire. From now on, you, Li Xiao Yao, must vow to be loyal to only I, Rob. Vow that you will place nothing above my orders and that you will execute every one of them. That you will protect the power of the royal family in the empire. If you vow to that, the sword is yours.”

I stiffened. I could feel a sense of pride welling up in my chest and smiled, “Become a servant of the empire? To be honest, I was already one of the empire’s citizens, and am naturally bound to the nation.”

Theodore was starting to get angry, “Li Xiao Yao, are you declining?”

I looked up at him and said, “Kneeling with one knee is a sign of respect in the military, but to kneel with both knees is something I will never do. I, Li Xiao Yao, will kneel before the heavens and my father and mother, but I will not bow before anyone else!”

“You impudent brat!”

Rage was also starting to rise up in Owen, “Li Xiao Yao, you dare to show such disrespect to father. Are you suicidal!?”

In a harsh tone, I replied, “In the beginning, when I joined Dragon City, I had already vowed to Frost that I will protect and guard Dragon City for life. And so, I will not show the same loyalty to another man. Your majesty, I hope that you will understand my difficulties. Even so, I will continue to perform my duties to the empire!”

I could see a sliver of disappointment and killing intent in King Rob’s eyes. He smiled, “General Li truly is a rare hero. Alright then… It will be as you wish. You will remain the general of the Royal Army, and continue to fight for the empire!”

I turned around and left.

……

I could hear the two princes arguing as I left——

Theodore: “Father, how could you allow this disrespectful youngling to continue as the general of the Royal Army? Sister, you actually praised this kid for us. Have you become confused by your feelings?”

Pearl: “Brother, I haven’t!”

Owen: “Father, seeing as that Li Xiao Yao isn’t willing to accept your gift, why don’t you…”

Pearl lowered her voice, “Second brother, you want to kill Li Xiao Yao? I ask that you put that thought away. Li Xiao Yao is the Dragon Knight of Dragon City, and he’s also the direct student of Frost. Frost regards him as extremely valuable. If… if you really kill him, then you should also prepare for Frost’s fifteen Dragon Knights to come knocking on your door for revenge!”

Rob groaned, “Everyone, stop arguing. Just leave Li Xiao Yao as is….”

Theodore angrily said, “Father, how could you be so soft? How could you allow him to be so arrogant?”

Rob was starting to look annoyed, “Theodore, remember who you are talking to! Li Xiao Yao’s strength is truly the top among the empire’s armies. Right now, he’s someone I need. Otherwise, did you think that relying on your Flame Dragon Army and those deputy generals, you would be able to hold off the Hybrid Demons? Don’t think I don’t know. There isn’t a single one that isn’t raising at least three women in the capital. Is there any of them that aren’t alcoholics?”

Theodore replied, “I did not manage my subordinates well, I admit it!”

“Hmph!”

……

I didn’t relax until I had made it out of the palace, and then my heart leapt with joy. I was a player, and so naturally I should live carefreely. If they want me to become a servant to some old fogey, dream on. I didn't want to spend the rest of my playing time stressing over pointless responsibilities.