Chapter 16: Turmoil in the Royal Capital – 05
Upon entering the Royal Capital, we were met with an enthusiastic welcome from the adventurers.
I was aware that we had engaged in a somewhat flashy battle, but to them, it was merely one of many skirmishes. Considering that, their reaction seemed a bit excessive.
As I pondered this, the handsome knight, Harsivil, approached us. He wore a smile, though it was tinged with a hint of wry amusement.
“I knew of Soushi’s strength, but I never expected you to face that ‘Demon’ head-on,” he remarked.
“Actually, I had fought that ‘Demon’ once before in Oz. However, that method of fighting is not something one would typically employ,” I replied.
“Nobody else could have done what you did, Soushi. The finishing blow was remarkable as well. ‘Soul’s Guidance’ is indeed a powerful asset for the party,” he complimented.
“Yes, I rely heavily on my comrades. By the way, I can’t help but feel that the attitude of everyone here is a bit exaggerated…”
As I scanned the surrounding adventurers, Harsivil looked momentarily taken aback before breaking into a clear, amused smile.
“That’s quite typical of you, Soushi. The recent attack was the largest we’ve faced so far, so we were all quite tense. Especially that large ‘Demon’; it was quite troublesome. It’s the first time the castle walls of the Royal Capital have sustained such damage.”
“I see…”
For the people of the Royal Capital, it may not have been an unprecedented crisis, but it was certainly a shocking event.
“By the way, Soushi, is that person over there…?”
Harsivil’s gaze fell upon Geshura. It was clear that Count Lautrec had communicated with them through a magical device. The presence of Harsivil and Lady Meldoza here might also indicate their role in addressing Geshura, who belonged to the Kin of Twilight.
“Officially, we are presenting her as a rare species of woman. She is a highly rational individual, so I believe there won’t be any issues, but I wonder how the royal family will respond,” Harsivil mused.
“I cannot speak on behalf of the royal family. However, I believe the response will change based on the recent success of ‘Soul’s Guidance.'”
“That makes sense…”
“They have requested that we proceed to the royal castle upon our arrival, so if possible, I would like to guide you there directly. Of course, we will arrange accommodations as well.”
“Understood. After completing the escort mission paperwork at the guild, we will head there immediately.”
After parting ways with Mr. Toronto, we made our way straight to the royal castle.
It was quite a demanding schedule to engage in battle upon arriving in the Royal Capital and then proceed to the castle, but since accommodations were being provided, we had no choice but to go. The information Geshura possessed needed to be conveyed as soon as possible.
At the royal castle, we were greeted by the head butler, the elderly gentleman with a white beard, Mr. Raylot, just as before.
First, we were shown to a waiting room, where we were given a moment to rest.
Soon after, the golden-haired, green-eyed beauty, Princess Margarot, entered and began conversing with Freinir, Shizuna, Sfenia, and Larni. It seemed she was surprised to learn that Shizuna had become a member of ‘Soul’s Guidance,’ exclaiming, “I must admit, I feel a bit envious.”
However, it felt rather reckless for the princess to come in the presence of Geshura, a member of the Kin of Twilight. Perhaps it was a testament to the trust placed in ‘Soul’s Guidance.’
After a while, Mr. Raylot came to summon Geshura and me.
Upon entering the Audience Chamber, we found ourselves in the presence of His Majesty, the King of Vermilian, a man in his forties with neatly combed brown hair, the handsome Prime Minister Julius, and the guards Harsivil and Lady Meldoza. Additionally, there was the guild master of the Royal Capital, Mr. Dwight, with his blue skin and a somewhat mischievous expression.
As Julius gestured for us to take our seats, His Majesty opened the conversation.
“First, I would like to express my gratitude for your efforts in the recent battle. I have heard that you swiftly defeated multiple powerful ‘Demons.’ Truly, you are an adventurer of many titles, such as ‘Demon God,’ ‘Castle Breaker,’ and ‘Golden Rampart.'”
“Thank you very much. I am relieved to hear that the damage was minimized. However, I must admit, I am unfamiliar with the titles other than ‘Demon God’…”
“Ah, well, your exploits have garnered much attention. In Oz, you are referred to as the ‘Apostle of Spirits,’ and in Mecalinan, you are known as the ‘Hero of National Salvation.'”
“To be honest, I have merely dealt with the troublesome situations I encountered along the way, but it seems my abilities are rather unique, drawing attention regardless.”
“I would argue that your abilities cannot simply be described as unique. But let us set aside your accomplishments for now; I wish to discuss the lady in your company.”
His Majesty turned his attention to Geshura and bowed slightly.
“It is a pleasure to meet you. I am Zeicrid Vermillion, the king who governs this land of Vermilian.”
“I am Geshura, one of the Kin of Twilight residing in the Garden of Twilight. I have come to this land for reasons of my own, and I would like to request permission to remain here.”
Geshura’s demeanor might have seemed disrespectful when addressing the king, but she was neither a subject nor a citizen, so perhaps it was understandable. After all, the Kin of Twilight are said to have a rather loose hierarchy.
Still, as I listened from the side, I felt a twinge of anxiety, but His Majesty appeared completely unfazed.
“Your visit to this land can only be described as a strange twist of fate. However, I would like to hear the reasons for your arrival.”
“In short, it is because living in the Garden of Twilight has become increasingly difficult. Currently, in the Garden, a powerful individual named Rendurm is attempting to gather many of the ‘Kin’ under his command, making it an untenable situation for us.”
“Is it true that this Rendurm is considering an invasion of this continent?”
“That is indeed true. Rendurm possesses a nature that compels him to make everything his own. He has publicly declared his intention to conquer this continent after seizing control of the Garden of Twilight. It is certain that he will soon take command of the Kin.”
“Do you have any idea when he might invade?”
“I cannot say for certain. However, it should take Rendurm no more than a year to gain control of the Garden. By the time he arrives here, it is likely that half of the Kin will have already pledged their allegiance to him.”
“Hmm…”
The exchange of information between His Majesty and Geshura continued for some time. They discussed the total number of the Kin of Twilight, the weapons and magic they wield, the magical tools they possess, and the potential invasion plans that Rendurm might undertake. Prime Minister Julius took notes and posed additional questions.
The meeting lasted over an hour, but Geshura showed no signs of fatigue, understanding the importance of the discussion.
Once the questions concluded, His Majesty exchanged a glance with the Prime Minister. After seeing him nod silently, he turned back to Geshura.
“I am grateful for the valuable information you have provided. We wish to repay your kindness, but what kind of assistance do you seek?”
At that question, Geshura glanced at me before responding.
“I wish to accompany Soushi, if possible.”
“Are you saying you want to act as an adventurer?”
“While I do wish to explore the human lands, I am still a target for Rendurm. I may be pursued at any moment, and I would like to enlist Soushi’s help in dealing with any pursuers.”
“I have heard that you successfully repelled those pursuers once before.”
“Indeed. I managed to fend off quite a skilled group, so it is possible that they may not come after me again. However, I want to be prepared.”
“Hmm… Soushi, is that acceptable to you?”
“Yes. I have already included her as a member once, and I believe that this is the best way to ensure her protection.”
Hearing my response, His Majesty turned to Mr. Dwight, the guild master seated beside him.
“Mr. Dwight, the guild recognizes Geshura as an adventurer, correct?”
“Yes, we do. This is a matter that has the backing of the Grand Master in the Imperial Capital, so I would appreciate it if you could treat her as an adventurer.”
As he spoke, Mr. Dwight’s narrow eyes met mine, and his lips curled into a smile. It was likely a silent command to ensure that Geshura was brought before the Grand Master.
“In that case, the royal family cannot interfere with Geshura’s status. Soushi, I ask that you pay close attention to her. I believe there will come a time when you must travel to the Empire, so please take care during your journey.”
“Thank you for your consideration. I will be mindful of her importance as a political figure in my actions.”
“Indeed, I hope you will.”
His Majesty let out a light sigh at that moment. It was then that I noticed a hint of fatigue on his face.
“To be honest, there was some division of opinion regarding what to do with Geshura, and it was difficult to reach a conclusion. I do feel a bit of a burden in entrusting everything to you, who is well-known across the three nations. I intend to reward you for repelling the ‘Demon’ and for defeating three new members of the Kin of Twilight, but if you have any wishes, please convey them to Raylot later. I am willing to accommodate some requests, and if you desire a title or territory, I am prepared to grant it.”
“I am grateful for your generosity. I would like to discuss this with my party members before making a decision.”
“Very well.”
I was surprised that His Majesty had even mentioned the underlying circumstances, indicating the difficulty he faced in making a decision regarding this matter.
Eliminating Geshura, who showed no intent to oppose, was out of the question, and protecting her under the royal family would not be simple either. The Kin of Twilight were akin to a massive bomb.
However, if leaving her be was also out of the question, then having Geshura become an adventurer and being cared for by ‘Soul’s Guidance’ might be a mutually beneficial arrangement for the royal family.
Of course, that would also mean that ‘Soul’s Guidance’ itself would become a significant risk, but… perhaps that was a discussion for another time.
His Majesty briefly mentioned the possibility of granting titles, but it seemed that the royal family believed the best course of action would be for me to settle in some territory as a vassal and take care of Geshura there. I regretted that this was not a feasible option.