Chapter 113: Shocking Revelation (1/2)

The king was more normal-looking than Arthur thought, although what he expected was probably influenced by his nervousness. A mix of grey and blonde hair covered his head, a thin mustache under his celestial-shaped nose, and dark violet unfathomable eyes.

As Arthur started walking on the red carpet, the king examined him with his hand supporting his chin as his elbow learned on the armchair of the throne.

”Arthur Silvera at your service, your majesty.” Arthur kneeled on one knee and placed his hand on his heart in greeting. The king made a sound like affirmation and Arthur stood up.

Now that he was facing the throne, he realized there were some chairs beside it. Five chairs, to be exact. Three of them were empty and two of them had two people sitting on them. One of them was Nera and the other was a young man that resembled Alfred, although a bit older.

”Give it to me,” Not breaking eye contact with Arthur, the king extended his hand. Someone came forward hurriedly and gave him a file. The king started skimming through it, reading aloud sometimes.

”A son of a thief, huh?” The king's lips drew a thin smile as Arthur realized this file was about him. He gritted his teeth as his father was called a thief but didn't say anything. ”Not long since you've awakened. Your latest achievement was the skillfulness you've showed in the runes path. A champion candidate, huh.”

The king's voice was full of disinterest. Even though his words lacked the emotions to be considered ridicule, Arthur still felt they were. The king skimmed over the rest of his file and closed it. He then looked at Arthur again while someone took the file from his hand.

”Can you retell the events of what happened and how you've found out that my son was a traitor?” The king squinted his eyes.

So, retelling he did. He didn't say anything about the Enders or how he found the meeting place. He had a personal grudge with Tyrin, who tried to harm him before. He followed Tyrin after seeing him in the capital and ended up hearing something he shouldn't have. Fleeing for his life, he tried to stop the attack that was going to befall the Yalveran Union.

As he told the story, Arthur was impressed by how heroic it sounded. How he had taken it upon himself to protect the kingdom. How would they react if they knew he simply didn't want to lose his legacy, the source of his power, and rise?

Arthur would never get to find out, as the audience started nodding approvingly at his deeds. It was an undying loyalty to the kingdom that moved them the most. Even the king's expression turned gentler than before.

”How is this related to my son, however?”

”In the second region, I waited for Tyrin to appear so I could interrogate him. He told me who had the artifact to activate the weapon, your majesty. The rest of the events unfolded as you have already heard.” Arthur didn't tell them about the personal grudge he had with the prince.

As they heard how Arthur, as skillful as he was with runes, decided to forsake his personal well-being and risk his win in the contest to stop the attack, the crowd began whispering in approval.

”Silence,” A single word from the king ended the noisiness. ”It matches the information we've gathered, but how do we know you're not lying?” The king remained unaffected and asked. As he did, his eyes started glowing violet when a pain assaulted Arthur's head.

As if something was trying to invade his mind, Arthur felt like something was prying into his head, trying to get in. However, before it managed to succeed, the double-doors behind him were flung open.

”I beg your forgiveness for the intrusion, your majesty.” A familiar voice came from behind him. Before Arthur could turn around, the voice's owner was already standing next to him.

A bald old man with a white goatee beard, wearing a luxurious black suit that Arthur was unfamiliar with, placed his hand on his shoulder. Without looking at him, Master Ronin addressed the king casually as the pain left Arthur's head.

”This youngster here is a disciple I've taken, so I can vouch for his words.” Master Ronin glanced at Arthur with a smile.

Arthur could see the king's expression freeze, the first hint of emotion he allowed to break free. He then frowned at Master Ronin, who didn't bow or kneel when he entered.

”It's been a while since you've shown your face, Ronin.” The king's words lacked the affection they should have conveyed. ”I always question your choice of disciples,” He glanced at Arthur with a scowl. ”However, I can't just allow him to…”

”It's better to give this young hero what he deserves than to treat him like a villain, your majesty.” Master Ronin interrupted the king whose face turned gloomy. ”Unless you want a national sensation. His story and deeds are already making waves in the news outlet. In a period of unrest, where the Union is being attacked from both sides, people need a beacon of hope.”