202 King Wilheims Reques (1/2)

The king glanced at the others in the room and nodded, leading Jack to the balcony. Once there, the king cast and silence, making a barrier to keep anyone from hearing them.

”Please, explain this to me, Jack.”

”You said I'm trustworthy, why do you say that?” asked Jack.

”I spoke with Argyle concerning you. Since he's now your father-in-law, I figured that he should know you well enough. After dogging him enough, he finally mentioned that you know Tralon from the Leisure Guild,” explained King Wilheim. ”I know nothing of the relationship between you and him, but so long as you're an acquaintance of his then I can trust you.”

”Hmm… I know this is going to sound strange, but can you leave me alone in your silence barrier for a moment. I need to contact someone.”

”Of course.” Thinking it might involve the association, the king stepped just outside of the silence barrier.

All the king saw was Jack pull out a high-tier contact crystal and have a minute-long conversation. After that, the king saw Jack put the crystal away and motion for him to step back in.

”I have permission to tell you, but this will become a state-level secret. If you dare mention this to anyone, I can guarantee that not only but your family and kingdom will be wiped out. Do you understand, King Wilheim?”

Feeling more weight on his shoulders, the king hesitated but he nodded.

”Very well,” continued Jack. ”That little girl's name is Linala, and she's the daughter of Lunara. Do you know who that is?”

”Lunara… the Water Goddess?!” With his heart jumping out of his chest, King Wilheim struggled to say much else.

”Yeah, that's her. She has granted me the task of helping her daughter become stronger for the time being. I just spoke with her, and she has asked you to come and find her at Glacier Peak. There, you'll find a cave. Go down through the cave and you'll find her hidden shrine,” explained Jack.

”Lunara wants to see you within one week's time. She's curious how the kingdom has become since she last visited. So long as you go as soon as possible, you should be fine,” Jack chuckled.

”Really?! The Water Goddess wishes for me to go and visit her?” asked the king. ”I-I'll go! I'll leave before nightfall!”

”Good! She'll explain everything else,” added Jack. ”Now, didn't you have something else you wanted to ask me?”

”Oh, right! There's one last favor to ask of you, but this one is much simpler and well within your capabilities. Also, we'll reward you handsomely since only you can do this for me.”

*****

Those inside the room were either staring at the two men conversing on the balcony or playing around on the bed. Luckily, Maura had already convinced Lina to revert back to her human form.

”Jack, thank you for agreeing to the task. Please, everyone, follow me.” Without another word, the king opened the main door and left the room.

Jack grabbed Maura's hand and rubbed Lina's head. ”Little Sis, it's time to go!”

”Ahhh…” Lina sighed and followed as she held their hands.

Erina did the same, grabbing her big brother's hand and shutting the door behind them as they left.

With the king in the lead, no one dared to stop any of them. Thanks to that, they all entered the giant courtyard with the teleportation relic. The king led them up onto the relic, using it as a stage.

Not ten minutes had passed before a large crowd of people emerged and entered the courtyard. It was almost full by the time people stopped trickling in.

Willim was especially perplexed. He recognized everyone in the courtyard and was surprised that every member of the royal family and all of the royal guards had been summoned altogether. Whatever his father was planning, he was completely clueless.

”Brother, what's the meaning of this!” shouted a man who was just below the platform.

”Weis, don't worry, I'm just announcing something,” stated the king, easing the tension of the surprise meeting.

”Everyone, I have wonderful news! My daughter, Princess Erina, has been cured of her illness thanks to this young man!” Motioning toward Jack, the king continued, ”This is Jack, the rising hero of the Adventurers Association. He has done us an amazing service, for that reason I've summoned you all. I'm announcing the betrothal between Jack and my beautiful daughter Erina!”

Applause roared and filled the courtyard. It was sudden, but it made sense for such a thing to happen.

Maura, Willim, Erina, and Lina were all startled, especially Erina, whose face became riper than a tomato.

”I've asked Jack to say a few words, so hear him out!”

Jack stepped forward, standing to the left of the king. ”Please, just call me Jack. I'm just glad that Erina is doing alright now. To describe it, I think a poem would best explain it, so please let me recite.”

With a cough, Jack cleared his throat. He smiled wide and took a deep breath.

”By the fire in hell and the chaos in the earth, I call upon thy power to show me thy follower's birth!”