Chapter 338: A Proposal (2/2)

”However,”

Whispers spread in the crowd as Arthur stared at the King silently and smiled. He knew what Solomon was referring to, and Arthur had no problem returning it.

Arthur walked over toward one of the chairs as an item appeared in his hand. He raised the medal, which began to shine and pulse, and presented it toward the Seat of Loyalty.

”The Medal of Loyalty?”

The Knight of Courage stood up from her seat like the rest of the Knights. The Medal of Loyalty left Arthur's hand and floated toward the chair as the pulsing grew stronger.

'A powerful artifact.'

Arthur looked at the Seat of Loyalty with surprise. He could feel an astonishing amount of mana from within it. However, it only resonated with the Medal and nothing else.

”Thank you, Seika.” King Solomon looked at the Seat with regret. ”I never thought he would die this soon.”

”I met him in a faraway place.” Arthur turned toward the King, confused. ”Can I ask why was he there, alone and powerless?”

”Such a thing shouldn't be...” The man sitting on the chair next to Solomon, which had a hand symbol, said with a frown. King Solomon, however, raised his hand to cut him off.

”He deserves to know.” King Solomon interjected. ”But that's a matter for another day. Is that alright, Seika?”

Arthur nodded, confused as to why it couldn't be now. However, he could guess that the Knight of Loyalty's matter was something controversial, as most nobles held hateful expressions on their faces.

”Thank you.” Solomon smiled and nodded. ”Do you wish to be the next Knight of Loyalty, Seika?” He asked, shocking everyone, but Arthur shook his head.

”I would have to decline.” Arthur shook his head. Why would he act as a guard and protect Solomon if he was here to make sure he was dead?

”That's a pity,” Solomon said, but he was still smiling. ”Then, what is it that you desire?”

The exchange made everyone speechless. A position of a titled knight equaled those of a duke, but they had different responsibilities. In a matter of seconds, an offer was raised and turned down.

”I want to be your advisor,” Arthur said lightly. ”I have many ideas to help change this kingdom and aid you, so that's what I want to do. I also want to build the tenth city, Hidden City, alongside Manager Gruen.”

”Impudent.” The Knight of Nobility interrupted. ”Do you think that the services you offer are worthy of such a position? Are you saying that King needs an advisor?”

”Indeed, Seika.” King Solomon nodded. ”You would have to prove yourself first. That's why I'm going to accept only a request out of the two. Build Hidden City, and if you succeed, I'll appoint you as my advisor.”

”Your Majesty!” The man sitting beside the King stood up. ”Isn't this one of my responsibilities as the Hand of The King?”

”There won't be any interference.” Solomon shook his head. ”I'll have him as my assistant if he does succeed.”

”Can I know what do you mean by success in this case?” Arthur asked with furrowed brows.

”Let's see, the Duke of Contracts isn't here, but I believe Manager Gruen declared that Hidden City would be the trading hub of the Kingdom. Accomplish that in less than three months, and I'll allow you to be my advisor.”

”Thank you, Your Majesty,” Arthur said with a smile.

”I also heard that you'd placed a Bestial Order on The Daughter of Ice and Fire.” King Solomon turned to Dia. ”Is that true?”

”Not anymore.” Arthur shook his head. ”She is acting by her free will, but I have a proposal to make,” Arthur said and stepped up.

”A proposal?” Solomon raised his brows.

”Alva can't be ruled by a human king, not at the moment, at least. The war is a bloody one, but we can weaken the morale of the soldiers in Alva, ending it faster.”

”Your suggestion being?”

”Lady Dia will be participating in the war, and we will spread words that she is here to save Alva from the unjust King with your help. Once that happens, she can become the queen of Alva, and the two kingdoms will be united.”

Arthur said his words, but the impact they left on the hall was nothing less than devastating. The concepts he proposed would change the course of the war and decrease the amount of power Freda held over Alva if they did win.