Chapter 81

"Good morning, Miss Veriello."

The Special Minister, Blau Soar, walked on the stone path that connected the city wall gate and the castle gate. Cherina Veriello, dressed entirely in red as always, performed the highest form of greeting for the nobility.

"Good morning, Minister Soar."

Blau smiled wryly, as if he had bitten into a bitter bug.

"Please, at least drop the 'Excellency.'"

"Do you not think you deserve the title and the power that comes with it?"

Seeing Blau’s face twist in discomfort, Cherina smiled gracefully.

"Just a joke, Minister Soar. I took the liberty of sending you a letter last night, knowing it would be impolite, but it seems you have read it."

"Yes, I read it after breakfast, considering it an important document. I was quite surprised. What would have happened if I hadn’t instructed my subordinates to prioritize letters from Veriello?"

"I would have waited here indefinitely."

"That would be a bother."

He smiled wryly again.

"It’s fine; the castle gates aren’t used often."

Indeed, servants usually either lived in or used the side gates. The patrol squad’s base was also in the city, so the main gates and the city wall gates were rarely opened.

"We have a full grasp of the schedule for transporting supplies, of course."

As Cherina said, most of the food supplies for this castle were provided by the Veriello Trading Company. While they did business with other companies, the large-scale transactions that required several carriages were almost exclusively handled by the Veriello Trading Company.

"Besides, it’s an urgent letter from Veriello, so I was confident it would reach you by morning."

"That’s perceptive."

Blau sighed.

"Well, since we’re here, please come inside. But what is this procession? The letter only mentioned that you had something important to discuss with His Majesty. Is it related?"

"Perhaps it will turn into a tribute once the discussion progresses?"

Blau’s eyes sharpened at this.

"Hmm... Something important for His Majesty, and a tribute of five... no, four carriages... I hope it’s good news."

"That depends on how the conversation goes."

Blau felt a chill down his spine at Cherina’s carefree smile. If his suspicions were correct, she wouldn’t be smiling like that. And there was no reason for her to bring up this topic... or was there?

"Alright, this way."

Blau led her and her guards back the way he had come. His mind was so preoccupied with the man in the dungeon that he didn’t notice the prominent dwarf and elf among the guards. This oversight would later change his fate.

---

The six of them—Cherina, Melvin, Hagg, Yarrai, and Cherina’s two original guards—entered the castle. They were led further in without their weapons being confiscated. This castle, unlike typical ones, was not overly complex in its internal structure.

"Quite an interesting design."

Hagg muttered, looking up at the high ceiling. The natural light that filtered in created a rather solemn atmosphere.

"Is it?"

"Yes, it almost resembles a church more than a castle."

Hagg answered Cherina’s question. It was only then that Blau seemed to notice the dwarf walking with them, and he was momentarily startled. However, he couldn’t send them back now, so he continued, trying to cover up his surprise.

"Indeed, dwarves. There’s not much known about the castle’s history, but it seems to have been built right after the Great Midal’s end. It might have originally been a religious facility. We’ve conducted multiple internal surveys, but found nothing to support that theory."

"Hmm. Perhaps it was designed as a church initially, but the plans were changed midway to a castle."

"Ah, that makes sense."

To Hagg, who was a blacksmith, warrior, and inventor, the building’s design seemed to reflect that.

Meanwhile, the elf Yarrai, who appeared calm, was carefully observing every detail of the building. A trained eye would have noticed that both of them had the eyes of warriors. However, Blau, a former merchant with no combat experience, only saw them as curious tourists admiring the unusual castle. If he had been more observant at this moment, the subsequent tragedy might have been avoided.

"Please, this way."

Blau led them to a large room, about 20 tatami mats in size. It was smaller than the corridor, which gave a distorted sense of scale.

"Ah, weapons will be placed against that wall. There will also be a body search as a precaution."

Blau snapped his fingers, and several soldiers appeared to thoroughly search the bodies of everyone except Cherina. Hagg’s armor was not removed, but every gap was checked. Incidentally, none of them had brought item bags.

Cherina only had to hand over her chain and was not searched, indicating the level of trust she was accorded or her VIP status.

"Now, Miss Veriello, I would like to hear the details of your matter before your audience with His Majesty."

"No, I will only discuss everything in front of His Majesty."

"Could you consider my position a bit more?"

"Depending on the content, it might be a matter that would please you."

"…I have received several letters in the past three days, petitions to release the advisor in question. Is this related to that? If so, I doubt such a sudden audience would be granted."

"It could be, but it depends on His Majesty’s decision."

"You insist on direct negotiations with His Majesty?"

"Yes."

"…I see. If I had known the details beforehand, I might have been more flexible. Is this acceptable to you?"

"Yes, it’s fine."

Blau saw her determination and had a rough idea of what she was going to request. It could get messy. He felt a cold sweat on his cheek.

And the time for the audience arrived.

---

The audience chamber had a mysterious solemnity. Unlike typical audience chambers, which are often windowless to protect against external threats, this one had a high ceiling that allowed natural light to filter in. It could easily pass for a grand cathedral. The throne was positioned on a raised dais, and a small chair was placed directly opposite it.

"Miss Veriello, please take this seat."

Blau led Cherina to the chair, which seemed to have been specially prepared for her.

"To think I would be seated in front of His Majesty..."

"It’s His Majesty’s wish."

"I’m not sure what form of etiquette is appropriate..."

Cherina looked genuinely perplexed.

"It’s fine to treat it like a dinner, as His Majesty is not particularly strict about formalities."

Blau wanted to add, “His Majesty is a country bumpkin who doesn’t understand formalities.”

"Understood."

The other guards took a typical stance, kneeling on one knee behind the chair, showing at least a minimum level of respect.

"Then, I will go and announce you."

Blau disappeared through a door next to the throne and returned shortly with a large mass of fat dressed in fine clothing. It was King Piratus II of the Kingdom of Piratus, also known as the Pig King. If he were encountered in the forest, he would surely be hunted down.

He waddled to the throne, creating a comical scene. It almost felt like the kingdom of pigs. Minister Blau Soar and Chancellor Genol Boron took their positions on either side of the king, and the atmosphere became tense.

"Oh, my dear Cherina, I am surprised by your request for an audience! Of course, it must be good news, right?"

The Pig King smiled with a sly grin.