Chapter 41

The capital of the Kingdom of Vestaria is Arond.

In the center of the city stands the grand Vestaria Castle, and we were being led by a group of people in formal attire.

(Wow... this is amazing...)

Inside the castle, there were impressive statues that exuded a sense of history, luxurious chandeliers, and unique paintings that seemed to be masterpieces, all of which were completely different from the rural world I had grown up in.

"It's only been three months... but it feels a bit nostalgic."

As we walked down the wide corridor, Rea voiced her thoughts.

"Yeah, this is your home, Rea."

I had spent so much time with her that I sometimes forgot she was a princess.

"Yeah, when I was little, I used to run around the castle a lot."

"Hehe, I can easily imagine that."

"...Hey, Allen, is that a compliment?"

"Hmm, I wonder..."

"Hey, come on!"

As we were having this conversation,

"---This way leads to the throne room. Please be respectful to His Majesty the King."

The five people in formal attire bowed deeply.

It seemed that from here on, only Rea and I would have to proceed.

"Shall we go?"

"Okay."

And so, we started walking forward.

(Sigh... I'm nervous.)

I was born in the countryside and had never spoken to someone of the King's high status.

Manners, behavior, and speech... I was filled with anxiety.

Then,

"It's okay, Allen. You're here as my friend today. Just be confident as a guest."

Even if you say that...

The person we're meeting is the king of a country—there are certain protocols and manners to follow.

"Alright... I'll be careful not to be disrespectful."

After walking straight for a while, we came to a large, luxurious door.

On either side of the door stood two guards in sturdy armor.

They cast a cold, sharp glance at me for a moment, then immediately saluted Rea.

"Welcome back, Lady Rea."

"His Majesty is waiting. Please come in."

As the two guards opened the heavy door, there sat the King on his throne, with Claude standing behind him.

(This is King Gris of Vestaria...)

Sharp, large eyes.

Short, neatly cut, bright blonde hair, the same as Rea's.

His well-maintained beard was slightly gray, probably due to his age, which seemed to be around mid-forties.

He wore a golden crown on his head and a red mantle, making him look every bit the king.

"Oh! Welcome back, Rea!"

King Gris stood up from his throne, a broad smile on his face as he hurried to Rea.

"I'm home, Dad."

"Oh, oh! I'm so glad you're doing well! I was so worried about you..."

"Thank you. But I'm fifteen now, so you don't need to worry so much."

After their conversation had a brief pause, I began to introduce myself politely.

"Nice to meet you, I'm Allen Roder, a first-year student at Senrin Academy. Rea and I are good friends—"

"You are Allen Roder!"

King Gris interrupted me, his eyes filled with hatred.

"I heard from Claude! You've ensnared my daughter, manipulating both her body and mind—truly the worst kind of scoundrel!"

"N-no, that's not—"

"Show your strength."

"Excuse me?"

"If you want my daughter, you must prove that you are the strongest in Vestaria!"

The King, overcome with anger, shouted loudly enough for the entire castle to hear.

(...Those words. I remember Rea mentioning them during the summer camp...)

I never thought I would be in the position to hear them.

(Anyway, this is not good...)

I need to clear up the misunderstanding before things get worse...

"King Gris, please listen to me! There's a big misunderstanding about this—"

But he wouldn't listen to me at all.

"Be quiet! I've heard that you are a smooth-talking con artist who can manipulate anyone!"

As I struggled, Rea confronted the King from the side.

"Dad! Listen to Allen properly!"

"No! He is a demon who has even ensnared the strong-willed you...! If I engage in a conversation with him, I might be manipulated too!"

"Allen is not a bad person! You'll see if you just talk to him!"

Rea stated her opinion clearly, undaunted by the King's loud voice.

But,

"Damn it! To bring my daughter to this point... I will not forgive you, Allen Roder! I will never forgive you!"

Despite her efforts, the situation quickly deteriorated.

(...It seems impossible to get him to listen...)

In such situations, it's best to hear the other person out and find a way to start a conversation.

"...Then, Your Majesty, how can I prove that I am the strongest in Vestaria?"

He replied,

"Hmph, that's right... It would be unfair to challenge a student to a fight with an adult paladin... That would be too small for me as the King of Vestaria..."

The King stroked his beard as he spoke.

"...Alright, I've decided! Among the swordsmen of the same age in this castle! If you can prove that you are the strongest, I will recognize you as the 'Next Strongest in Vestaria' and drop this matter!"

"Really!?"

"Yes, I swear it on the name of Vestaria."

If the opponent is a swordsman of the same age in the castle, there is a chance.

(...But wait. The fact that the King, who dotes on Rea, has made this proposal...)

He must be absolutely confident that I will lose.

(But... there's still a chance!)

Just as I made up my mind,

"But if you lose the fight, Rea's study abroad will be immediately terminated! You will never be allowed to return to Senrin Academy!"

"Wh-What!?"

The King, with an evil smile, continued.

"So, what will you do? Running away with your tail between your legs is also an option, you know? Of course, in that case—Rea will attend the 'Vestaria Swordsmanship Academy'!"

Then,

"Hey, Dad! What's that supposed to mean! I won't accept such unreasonable terms!"

Rea immediately protested, but the King remained firm.

"No! Listen to your father sometimes!"

"No way! I won't listen!"

"No! I won't budge on this! As a parent, I have my limits!"

"Ugh...!"

"Staring at me like that won't change anything! You will hone your swordsmanship in Vestaria and become a fine swordsman! ...Damn it. If only I hadn't accepted Reia's invitation back then, we wouldn't be in this situation..."

At the end, the King muttered something in a low voice, clenching his teeth.

Then,

"So, what will you do, Allen Roder? Let me tell you, you have no chance of winning! This is not a threat. It is absolutely impossible for you to win! Running away with your tail between your legs is a wise choice, I think."

He said this and left the choice to me.

"A-Allen..."

Rea tugged at my sleeve, looking a bit anxious.

(I want to be with Rea...)

And she wants to study swordsmanship at Senrin Academy.

(If the King is this confident, he must have some exceptional swordsmen...)

But—no matter how difficult it is, as long as there's a chance, I will face it.

"I will prove that I am the next strongest in Vestaria."

"Hmph... A foolish choice. After all, you're just a child... Then, the duel will take place at the Grand Arena at ten o'clock tomorrow! We will send three of our best. Do you have any objections?"

The King held up three fingers, smiling as if to taunt me.

"Three! Dad, that's a last-minute condition, it's unfair!"

"---It's fine. I have no objections."

"A-Allen!?"

This is a battle of the heart.

(Even if I complain and the opponent is reduced to one, the King won't recognize my strength...)

I must defeat the three swordsmen he confidently sends.

If I don't show my strength, the King will continue to try to bring Rea back by any means.

"Hmph... I'll give you credit for your spirit. ---Claude!"

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

"Prepare a guest room for Allen Roder. He is, after all, a guest."

"As you wish."

After giving the order to Claude, the King slowly sat back on his throne.

It seemed that today's meeting was over.

"---Hey. Come on, you worm, follow me!"

Then, Rea and I followed Claude out of the throne room.

As the heavy door was completely closed by the two guards, I took a deep breath.

(Sigh... This is a mess...)

I never thought things would turn out like this just by trying to have a conversation.

(But... for Rea's sake, I absolutely cannot lose tomorrow...)

And so, I found myself facing an important battle that would determine Rea's future at the academy.