Chapter 87

It hasn't been that long, but Leoard has returned to the capital city once again. As always, the city is bustling with activity, incomparable to Zeato. After all, the population difference is significant.

Leoard didn't come to leisurely tour the capital, so he headed straight for the royal castle. When he arrived at the castle, the gatekeeper was surprised. It seemed he couldn't hide his shock at the unexpected early return of the envoy group.

He was asked various questions, but the envoy was ordered to bring the said Leoard inside immediately. The gatekeeper, unable to refuse the envoy, reluctantly let Leoard and his group in.

Once inside, Leoard and his group were surprised again. From the presence of the envoy, it was clear they had come from Zeato, but their arrival was earlier than expected.

Some thought Leoard had anticipated the summons and headed to the capital in advance. Unfortunately, that prediction was incorrect. Well, the correct answer, which was the use of the teleportation magic, was something no one could have guessed.

After all, who would believe that the lost legendary teleportation magic was used? Probably no one.

Leoard, having anticipated such reactions, ignored the questions. He only needed to answer to one person: His Majesty the King. Besides, Leoard, being a Duke, could ignore questions from those of lower rank without any issues.

It seems the news of Leoard and the envoy's return had already spread, and Leoard was immediately summoned to meet the King.

"Leoard Harvest. I have come as per the King's command."

"Hmm. I would like to commend you for the long journey, but isn't this too early?"

"Regarding that, I believe I have already reported."

"The teleportation magic discovered at the ancient ruins, you mean?"

"Yes, that's correct."

"It's hard to believe. Could you have anticipated the summons and come in advance?"

"I understand your concern. However, I can assert that I used the lost legendary teleportation magic."

Everyone in the room was taken aback by Leoard's bold statement. As the King suggested, it seemed more plausible that Leoard had anticipated the summons and come in advance. But Leoard had clearly stated that he used the lost legendary teleportation magic, and he did so in front of the King.

"If it's a lie, do you understand the consequences?"

"Yes, of course."

The throne room was filled with even more unease. If it were a lie, the death penalty was inevitable. False statements to the King, the highest authority in the country, would be considered treason, and the entire family and relatives would be punished.

"Hmm... Then, you should be able to prove it, Leoard Harvest."

"Yes, but it requires movement. To prove it, I need someone to cooperate."

"Very well. Where should we go?"

"Are you going to try it yourself?"

"Yes. Everyone would want to experience the legendary teleportation magic, including me."

"But if something happens to Your Majesty—"

"Are you saying it's a lie?"

"No, that's not what I mean. Your Majesty is irreplaceable and essential to this country. Perhaps it would be better to have someone else do it."

"No, that won't do. I will verify it myself."

"But—"

"Besides, Leoard, you have already tried it, haven't you? That means it's safe."

"True, but—"

After some thought, Leoard decided to allow the King to accompany him, as it was his duty as a subject to comply with the King's wishes.

"Understood. I will demonstrate the teleportation magic. Your Majesty, would you be willing to accompany me to the ancient ruins near the capital?"

"Yes! I'm looking forward to it!"

Leoard smiled wryly at the King, who was as excited as a child given a new toy. However, just as he thought the matter was settled, an interruption occurred.

"It cannot be, Your Majesty!"

"Prime Minister, this is a decision. No matter how much you say, it won't change."

"I understand, but we cannot let Your Majesty go alone. Please have some guards accompany you."

"That much I understand. Rithto, you will also come with me."

"As you command, Your Majesty."

The King, with the Prime Minister and a knight standing on either side, turned to the knight and ordered him to accompany him.

Leoard felt a chill when he saw the knight the King had called. Rithto, the knight called by the King, was a direct subordinate of the royal family and known as a Royal Guard. While the Kingdom Knights were the protectors of the country, the Royal Guards were the protectors of the royal family. Each one was a formidable warrior, and they were the knights' idols and goals.

Among the Royal Guards, Rithto, who stood beside the King, was known as the strongest. Furthermore, Rithto had another nickname: the strongest in the kingdom. He was said to be even stronger than Binaud, the leader of the Kingdom Knights.

Rithto was the King's right-hand man and the trump card of the royal family. If anyone were to harm the King, they would have to surpass Rithto.

"Is there a limit to the number of people?"

"No, there isn't. A few more people shouldn't be a problem."

"Good, then, Prime Minister, you will also come with us."

The Prime Minister, clearly unhappy, seemed unable to refuse and reluctantly decided to accompany them. Leoard thought it was odd that the country's elder statesman would leave, but since the King was coming, he gave up.

The four of them—King, Prime Minister, Rithto, and Leoard—set off for the ancient ruins where the teleportation magic array was located.