Chapter 141: Unsafe (1/2)

Ever since his life changed, Arthur refused to back down once offended. Yet, the person he was facing was the crown prince of the kingdom. He wondered how Sier and this guy can be half-brothers, sharing the same blood but different appearances and personalities.

”If your highness wishes as such,” Arthur said and saw the prince smirk. ”I understand.” He mouthed slowly. ”However, regarding my relationship with Miss Emma, it would be decided by none other than her. Make sure to ask her that.”

Tension filled the air, almost becoming tangible. The prince's eyes glowed violet in the night as he glared at Arthur. Before he could say anything, the music stopped as someone announced the beginning of the awards ceremony.

”I will,” The prince smiled coldly and turned to leave. Arthur could see him clutching his fist as he departed. He sighed as he wondered he allowed himself to offend such a person.

”Things will be difficult from now on,” Arthur muttered as he gazed at the sky before heading inside.

The guests stood at each side as a red carpet split the hall in half. A dais has been raised where the king was seated with his family at the end of the red carpet. Arthur was led outside by a panicked butler where he joined a group that included Captain of the Unbroken Corps, Ilia Perli.

”I always think this is rather unnecessary, but we need to keep our appearances. This ceremony would be broadcasted live to the whole kingdom.” Captain Ilia sighed as he said to the other military personals.

Standing next to them, Arthur felt like a fraud. In the end, his only achievement was warning the kingdom and trying to stop the prince. However, he was being used as a PR material for the royal family.

'The Royal Family Rewards the Heroic Commoner.'

That would be a good title, and the most fought over between the media outlets, after this event. It was to appease the public's unrest and untrust.

Names were called as the group Arthur stood in their midst grew smaller. Medals of Honor were handed out like hot cakes for several military figures. After that, Bronze Medals of Heroism were awarded for those who contributed to the war against the Ilios Empire.

”Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome the young hero, Arthur Silvera.” The announcer's voice rang and it was Arthur's signal to go in. He strode confidently through the double-doors but he didn't hear the usual applause that followed the announcement.

To be objective, there was scarce applause but it was pathetic compared to the earlier applause. As Arthur's eyes adjusted to the light, he saw the nobles standing on each side smiling like always. On the raised dais, the prince was seated as he coldly stared at Arthur, a smirk etched on his face.

'Ah, they're already changing sides.' Arthur realized as he walked along the carpet, the faces of the people who had asked him to join them with courtesy earlier were cold now. The prince must have used the time between their earlier encounter to express his opinion of Arthur.

As he walked halfway through the carpet, elegant but distinct clapping reverberated through the hall. Arthur glanced at the seated gentlemen who stood up and smiled at him. It was Master Ronin in his black suit and white beard.

Thunderous clapping followed as Venkov Agard, his son, and Emma stood up clapping as well. From the dais, Princess Nera stood up as well to everyone's amazement. Arthur could see the prince's cold eyes glance at her as he maintained his smile.

By the time he reached the end of the carpet, the hall was all obediently clapping. They couldn't humiliate Arthur with the support he got from these characters.

'This nation is in danger.' Arthur thought as the king smiled in his fully golden attire. He was wearing a crown embedded with gems and emeralds. 'My award was to appease the public, but the prince dared to try humiliating me?' He inwardly sighed. With such self-conceitedness, no wonder Alfred dared to betray his kingdom. These people only thought of themselves.

The king started praising him, but Arthur knew he was simply reciting it without any sincerity. He remembered what Jizo told him before.

Seven Guardians betrayed their people. If the seven families were the descendants of those guardians, then history will repeat itself. The seven families weren't the majority of the world, but the strongest minority. Their abilities allowed them to stand above the others even after the Era of Yore.

'Everyone is unsafe under these people.' Arthur thought as he kneeled one knee in front of the king. 'The world is not ready for the calamity beyond the gates. Not with these people to protect it.' He felt the fabric of the medal slide over his suit. The weight it carried rested on his chest as he stood up with a smile.

”Thank you, your majesty. I'll make sure to serve this nation until the end.” Arthur smiled at the king who nodded back at him with a warm, fake, smile.