Chapter 454: Extort (1/2)

”You want to enter our treasure vaults?”

Arthur's lip twitched as he looked toward Leonel.

What kind of King would allow someone not even of their Kingdom to randomly enter their vaults and choose as they please? Even if one was a loyal citizen, it might only be possible to enter once every several years to pick out one or two things… Yet, not only was Leonel asking for free reign to do as he pleased, he wasn't even a person of Camelot.

Despite this, Arthur felt like he couldn't say no.

Maybe aside from him and a few founding members of Camelot, Leonel had done more for the Kingdom than anyone else. And, beyond that, Leonel was the reason he felt happier now than he had in a very long time. He had even managed to have dinner with his daughter just last night.

Of course, Arthur didn't say these things aloud. After all, he had just lost a fifth of his Kingdom and was in line to lose much more of it before all of this was over. Plus, many of his citizens were in danger.

But, after making his decision, he had already been ready to lose everything. So, how much of a need was there for him to care about such a loss?

”Yes.” Leonel smiled and nodded as though it wasn't a big deal.

”Are you trying to extort me, kid?”

”Exactly.”

”Pft.”

King Arthur's head snapped in a particular direction. But, by the time he locked eyes on his son, Lionus was already looking off into the distance as though nothing had happened.

”Nice weather we're having, huh?” Lionus rubbed his nose, scanning the room.

Unfortunately for his act, the only window in the throne room was exceptionally high up and was angle such that it only shone a small light on the throne itself. So, how could he possibly know with any sort of detail the kind of weather they were having?

King Arthur shook his head. Lionus had always been so obedient. He couldn't help but feel that Leonel was having a bad influence on his son.

At this point, Leonel's smile faded somewhat and he became more serious.

”Arthur, I've told Em this already but you should be aware as well. If you don't want to lose too much of your power after submitting to The Empire, what's important is to show your worth. Repelling this invasion is a great opportunity for you.

”Since Terrain dares to do this, they're confident. I'm certain that they've scouted out Earth and understand more about our world than even maybe we do. The Empire will definitely be in trouble and Terrain definitely won't stop until they claim the world for themselves. The greatest variable in this war is you all, Camelot and the Demon Empire.”

”Terrain?” King Arthur raised an eyebrow. ”You seem to know a lot about these enemies?”

”Not a lot, just more than most.”

”And you believe that by opening up the vaults to you our likelihood of winning will be greater?”

”Exponentially so.”

”And how am I supposed to make certain that you aren't embezzling anything?”

Leonel blinked and smiled once more. ”You don't. Just take it as my worker's fee.”