92 Private Conversation with the King (2/2)
King Leodoro smiled. ”On to the next question. What's your take on the chaos of the world? You may have not traveled much yet, but I'm sure others have filled you in considering your position in the association. Also, it would appear that some of the veterans of the branch heavily consider your opinion, especially for a new adventurer.”
Jack chuckled, ”Of course a king would be great at reading social cues. I understand enough to know that things are getting worse with time. What else can I say?”
”Since that meathead Zariff and the knowledgeable Rydel trust you, I'd like to do the same. You don't need to trust me, but please let me hear your full opinion on this.”
”Why are you so adamant to know more about me now? You had your chance before anyone else did? Are you regretting your decision?” sneered Jack, teasing the king.
”I can't say I regret my decision, but not for the reasons you would think. To be honest, as much as I'd like to have the influence of a summoned hero in my court, I have no way of guaranteeing that you wouldn't be influenced by that man instead of me. I prefer to have you here.”
Startled by the king's honesty, Jack replied, ”Not was I was expecting to hear, but I can't complain because I agree with that last part.”
”Then tell me, why do they trust you so much as a new adventurer?” pled the king.
”I can't say that much,” stated Jack. ”Like you said, I don't need to trust you right now.”
”Fair. I'm sure you've already got your secrets, considering the fact that you've already formed a mutual seal with a Hell-flame Fox and you're trying to hide your level, which has rocketed to lv. 18 in a couple of weeks,” mentioned King Leodoro with a cheeky smile.
”And I'm sure you love to know other people's secrets, considering your ring of omniscience that lets you read into the finer details of other people's items, levels, and more with only a glance, regardless if they conceal it,” replied Jack.
King Leodoro leaned back, amazed that such a novice adventurer could instantly recognize one of his most well-kept secrets. He quickly realized that Jack shouldn't be treated as a novice as he had done previously.
”Well, I should be getting back soon. If I'm gone too long, I'm sure Arnole will realize something is up. Lastly, I want you to know that tomorrow I have no intention of capturing you or framing you for anything. I hope you can do something to keep the Royal Court from winning this case,” said the king.
”You want the Royal Court to lose that badly?”
”Yes, I do. Why else would I come here and mention how they plan to frame you using your fox. I'm sure you'll come up with something to turn the tables.” King Leodoro pushed off the table to stand up. ”Do you have anything you'd like to ask me while I'm here? I can't guarantee that you'll see this side of me very often.”
”Rykard was the former crown prince, wasn't he?” asked Jack. ”How did he die?”
A frown appeared on Leodoro's visage. ”According to the record, he and his small army were slain while on an official mission of the Royal Court. Off the record, I have evidence of poisoned rations and unauthorized changes in their positioning. There's no hard evidence of anything else, but Arnole and his troops were stationed near those unauthorized coordinates and their alibi isn't as solid as they believed it to be.” The king's voice trailed off, not wanting to explain anything else.
Surprised to get so much detail, Jack spoke up, ”I'm sorry for your losses. I didn't know the guy, but I'm certain he was far better a man than that idiot crown prince I met in Baltwood.”
”He sure was,” said the king. ”I can count the number of people who know the truth on one hand, including you. As I said, you don't need to trust me, but please let me trust you until you can. Thank you for your time and your thoughts. Good luck for tomorrow.”
King Leodoro walked out without looking back, satisfied with the outcome of his surprise visit to the association building.
Jack continued to sit there as a couple of familiar faces walked back in and sat around him.
Zariff was the first to speak, ”So, what do we do now that they know about Bowzer?”
”We tell the people the truth,” answered Rydel. ”If we announce it first and paint it as a positive in the public eye then Jack's influence will increase instead of decrease like the Royal Court wants. And if the people side with the association, who controls a Hell-flame Fox, then the association can't possibly challenge it too harshly.”
”What do you think, brat?”
Jack kept staring at the wall, distracted by his thoughts. The two others waited for him to sigh and reply, ”If there's no other way, but let's keep things interesting.” He finally smiled, ready to pitch his plan.