Chapter 146

The Kingdom of Valaran.

In the continent of Salevania, the its position was rather unremarkable. It didn't boast any notable strengths, possessed a modest military force, and its territory was relatively small compared to those around it.

Ultimately, its critical weakness was the poor quality of its adventurers. Not only were they sparse in number, their below-average combat skills contributed to a steady decline.

'And this is all because of Ironblood.'

In the royal reception room, Seojin occupied an overly plush sofa.

'Valaran's situation is especially bad… Robert gained power too early. If he had started just a bit later, it wouldn't have come to this.'

Prior to him entering the palace, BunnyRabbit, who had surprisingly confessed earlier, once again played her role flawlessly. She had been able to contact one of the peddlers, and conveyed his "well-known facts" to Seojin.

"Valaran is weak, even among the weaker kingdoms. Its border with the Camilton Empire makes it more susceptible to checks and balances compared to other countries. That's why there's no significant venture that can be pushed forward. It wouldn't be surprising if the empire had spies among the royal NPCs. Ultimately, to overcome this situation, they'll need to do something decisive… but any movement immediately becomes known to the empire."

Trapped in a malicious cycle, it was frequently antagonized by the Camilton Empire, with seemingly no escape from this pattern.

"Actually, the players were their only wild card. They reside in the kingdom but aren't its citizens, so they are beyond the king's authority. In the end, they're the only ones who can be entrusted with something by the king without worrying about the empire's gaze. But now, Ironblood is standing between them and the players."

Ultimately, the issue boiled down to the presence of Ironblood, once again. Any adventurer displaying a spark of talent was swiftly recruited into their alliance, and the king had to pay exorbitantly for their services. Ironblood had essentially monopolized the royal quests.

"…It really seems like what you said might come true."

BunnyRabbit added weight to Seojin's speculation.

"According to the peddler, no adventurer, apart from the Ironblood's personnel, have entered the palace in the last six months."

This news was encouraging. It implied that the king held great expectations, suggesting that Seojin could reap substantial benefits from this alliance. At that moment, a well-dressed middle-aged man approached, introducing himself as Raymond, the royal steward.

"His Majesty wishes to see you."

"Yes, of course. And you are…"

"I am Raymond, the Royal Steward."

"On the surface, at least, right?"

"I'm afraid I do not understand your question."

Neither Raymond's face nor Seojin's betrayed any hint of emotion.

"Never mind. Let's go."

Raymond offered a deep bow and proceeded to lead the way. The lavish hallway was eerily empty, devoid of attendants and the usual guards. It wasn't until they reached the junction leading to the king's quarters that they encountered someone else.

"We will take it from here."

Two knights took over guiding Seojin, and Raymond withdrew without a word.

"Royal knights, I presume?"

"Yes, adventurer. I am Pike, and this is…"

"Russell. Pleased to meet you."

The two knights greeted him properly, a response slightly unexpected.

"I didn't expect such a friendly welcome."

"His Majesty commanded us to show no pretense in our dealings with you."

"Although this meeting is unofficial, as a guest invited by His Majesty, we are at your service during your stay. If there is anything you need, please let us know."

Seojin noticed the subtle phrasing.

'During my stay?'

He would need to meet the king to understand.

Pretending not to notice, Seojin changed the subject.

"Ah, so you know Sir Craig?"

"Craig? Ah, the knight who used to be here! Yes."

"I met him in Count Bolton's domain."

"He was our colleague. A very capable fellow. It's surprising that he's connected with you."

"He helped me a lot. Sir Craig also spoke highly of the royal knights."

"What did he say?"

Their curiosity was evident.

Everyone is interested in what others say about them.

Casually, Seojin talked about how impressive the royal knights were according to Craig.

"At first, I didn't believe it, but seeing Sir Craig's skills… very impressive. So I imagined the others must be the same, right?"

"Honestly, Craig was one of our best. There were even talks of him becoming the next captain."

Pike enthusiastically elaborated.

Craig was talented and trusted. His departure to serve Count Bolton was simply out of gratitude.

"He'd be welcomed back anytime."

"I only came across him by chance and he turned out to be such an exceptional person."

"Haha, with Craig, it's safe to say he's exceptional."

"How many of the royal knights are there?"

"There are 50 members, plus the captain and vice-captain. Russell and I are just regular members."

"An impressive force. Naturally, His Majesty trusts you both, hence entrusting my guidance to you."

"Flattering, but yes. It's an honor."

"I was a bit startled at how empty the palace is. I wondered if it was really necessary to avoid attention like this."

"That's because His Majesty…"

"Pike."

Russell cut him off, and Seojin sighed inwardly. Pike momentarily looked conflicted, then forced a laugh.

"Oh, I almost overstepped. It's not our place to express opinions."

"Sorry, adventurer. We don't want to create any wrong impressions."

"Of course, I understand. I can ask His Majesty directly. Ah, is it there?"

Ahead, the king's quarters were marked by a grand door adorned with a sword and shield, the symbols of Valaran.

"Yes, His Majesty is just behind those doors."

"Let's go then. No need to keep him waiting."

"Yes."

Russell advanced towards the door, with Pike remaining by Seojin's side. After Russell manipulated something, the door swung open. The knights positioned themselves outside, leaving Seojin to enter alone.

Inside,

"Finally, we meet, Adventurer Seojin."

A young king awaited him, seated arrogantly.

* * *

'This guy is the king?'

He appeared no older than his early twenties, remarkably young for someone ruling an entire nation.

"How disrespectful. Even for an adventurer, this is hardly any way to address a sovereign."

"Apologies. I'm still assessing the situation."

"What do you mean?"

"Whether I am actually speaking with His Majesty, or someone representing him. The courtesy required varies depending on whom I'm addressing."

He continued to make rude remarks. Seojin surveyed his surroundings: a richly decorated space, yet entirely sealed off, lacking even a single window.

'The entrance is guarded by two royal knights.'

In a sticky situation, there would be no escape.

"Adventurers are all the same. The most troublesome lot to deal with as the king."

"As the king, you said?"

"You catch on fast, adventurer."

"That's not all. I am aware of the high expectations His Majesty has for me, and I possess the capabilities to meet them."

"Well, aren't you overconfident? The palace has many great talents already."

"Without the shackles at their ankles, perhaps. But I am not shackled by Ironblood. In fact, I've even restricted their movements, albeit temporarily."

"Restricted how?"

"It would be proper to speak plainly of it to the King of Valaran. But I am still not convinced that's who I am speaking with."

"Yet I see conviction in your eyes."

This young man was not the king. Seojin was sure of it, and so was the young man.

"Yet you continue to talk with me."

"This place shouldn't be exclusively for His Majesty. Also, the knights guarding the door are loyal knights of the palace. The ones who brought me were also swords wielded by the royalty."

"Speak your mind."

"Aren't you the prince?"

The prince, son of the king, and the legitimate heir to the throne would assume rule in the king's absence.

The young man affirmed, "You're correct."

"My greetings to Your Highness."

Seojin knelt on one knee, resting an arm on the raised knee – a posture seen at knightly ceremonies. The prince seemed pleased.

"You've gained the conviction, I see."

"My apologies for the rudeness. It was due to ignorance."

An excuse for not knowing. Prince Heinrich Valaran exhaled sharply.

"Well aren't you as bold as brass?"

"Such an informal term from a prince."

"Yes, perhaps that's better though. I quite dislike formalities."

"May I take this as that you were testing me?"

"It's not over yet."

"If so." Seojin took the initiative before Heinrich could continue. "May I present something I've prepared first?"

His confidence bordered on audacity, but Heinrich accepted the offer. Given his situation, he couldn't afford to be choosy, and he was well aware of the potential held by adventurers. Seojin then handed the prince a booklet.

"What's this?"

"You'll know once you read it."

"While I do prefer directness, such boldness is somewhat uncomfortable."

"You'll get used to it."

"No, I'm already used to it. If I hadn't set aside my pride and dignity, I wouldn't be conversing with you now."

Seojin remained silent.

The prince flipped through the booklet, his eyes widening in intrigue, then astonishment.

"…What is this?"

"An assessment of the domestic and international situation, and what I surmise to be your concerns, Your Highness. The Camilton Empire and the Ironblood Union are prime examples."

"The latter two are guessable by anyone. But this…"

Flip. Flip. Flip.

The prince turned through the pages. The prince's face shifted from surprise to shock, then paused, turning towards Seojin.

"This isn't the work of just one adventurer. Who's behind this?"

"There's no one behind me."

"Am I to believe that?"

"Adventurers have a variety of means. I am sure you must have experienced this dealing with Ironblood, but the extent of what an adventurer can do is beyond the imagination of non-adventurers."

"Not all adventurers are like you."

"True, I have a bit more wit than others, and fortunately, I also have the money to back up that wit."

"Is this a problem that money can solve?"

His question was met with disbelief. Seojin responded with a composed acknowledgment.

"With me by your side, it's entirely possible."