Chapter 333: Recreate The Kingdom (1/2)

The next day, a knock came on Arthur's door as he was inscribing artifacts. He hid the items before opening the door to find the Knight of Courage glaring at him.

”What's wrong?” Arthur asked lightly. ”Why are you looking at me as if I killed your whole family?”

”The city is on lockdown now. No one can leave or enter.” The Knight of Courage said. ”Thus, our departure was postponed.”

”Did something happen?” Arthur feigned shock.

”A noble was murdered yesterday. It was one of the duke's followers, so that it could be an assassination for political reasons. Whatever the case is, the duke is wrathful.” The Knight of Courage squinted her eyes. ”Do you know anything?”

”That's tragic, but why would I know anything about it?” Arthur tilted his head. ”It can't be that you suspect me, right?”

”You do have a history of killing nobles.” The Knight said as she walked in and closed the door behind her. ”Whatever you say, it'll be between us two.”

”And his Majesty,” Arthur smiled. ”I know nothing.”

”Your followers' whereabouts are unknown. If the Princess of Ice and Fire leaves the city, then she...”

”She won't leave because I promised to give her Alva,” Arthur said. ”They're not my followers but companions.”

”Do I need to remind you how this companionship started?” The Knight frowned.

”Are you worried about me?”

”I'm worried about the kingdom's safety.” She said before changing the topic. ”If you had anything to do with the murder of this noble, then execution is not unlikely.”

”If you found evidence that I did it, then I'll present my head on a plate of silver,” Arthur said as he leaned back in his chair. ”Is that all?”

”Yes,” The Knight looked at him silently and turned to leave. However, Arthur called after her.

”What did you find?”

”What?” She turned toward him with confusion.

”I know that you've looked into the noble I killed,” Arthur said with an amused smile. ”You wanted to unearth the evil deeds I mentioned.”

”...” The Knight was silent before she sighed. ”You were... right. I discovered traces of corruption in his estate. That doesn't mean that you can kill him.”

”What else did you find?” Arthur wasn't concerned. The Knight glared at him in a fed-up expression. ”Human trafficking? Demis? Cases of rape?”

The Knight was silent, and the atmosphere grew still. Arthur stood up and walked toward her until he stood close enough to stare her in the eyes.

”I can see it in your eyes.” Arthur smiled. ”You know that I did the right thing by killing him. You're even glad that he died, relieved, and grateful that I killed him.”

”He deserved to die, but no one made you the judge.” The Knight didn't back away. ”There's a law and a King for a reason.”

”Your laws wouldn't have executed a noble.” Arthur's smile disappeared. ”I've read about your kingdom. It's not as peaceful as it seems. King Solomon is a good king, but what about the nobles who remained from the previous system? As powerful as King Solomon is, he can't offend the nobility who hold most of the kingdom's resources.”

”If you know that, then you need to understand the gravity of your actions.”

”I do understand them, but do I care?” Arthur shook his head. ”Things might sprawl into chaos, and a civil war isn't unlikely, but your peace is a bloody one. And this blood belongs to no one other than the people that you swore to serve.”

”I know,” The Knight tightened her fist. ”I know that better than anyone, but what do you want me to do?” She said, almost shouting it. ”There's no right choice here. There never was. Whatever you do, there will be blood.”

”There is a way.” Arthur's smile returned. ”Help me as I aid your king to recreate this kingdom from scratch. For the resources, I'll help you get them. For the coins, I'll provide them. It's time to clean up this kingdom.”

***

”I understand your sentiment, Duke of Contracts.” The Knight of Nobility nodded in understanding as he sipped on his tea. ”That man is nothing less than an untamed beast.”

”Indeed so, he's not only unrestrained but also vicious. I hope you share these facts with His Majesty.” The Duke of Contracts nodded as he traced the scar on his face. ”Please make sure to send my regards to the Ancient One.”

”I will,” The Knight of Nobility gave a thin smile, knowing full well what the duke meant. ”Where are they?”