Chapter 74

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In the main story, I will announce Cerberus's name.

In the afterword, I would like to express my gratitude to those who thought about it.

The king entered through the side door.

"Raise your mask. And, you are permitted to speak directly."

Before even sitting down, the king said in a matter-of-fact voice.

To begin with, I didn't know much about the king, even though I lived in his country.

The image of a king being a king until death was strong, but Albion was different.

The previous king had abdicated to the current king at a young age.

It seems that this cycle is related to the Dark Age.

I slowly raised my face and saw the king sitting comfortably in a stone chair with simple but beautiful carvings.

Following Tristan's movements, we also stood up.

"It's been a while, Tristan. I'm glad to see you looking well. The recent Cerberus hunt was impressive."

"Your Majesty, I am honored by your kind words. We, the Memphis Knights..."

While Tristan continued with his formal greetings, I observed the king's face without being too obvious.

The king looked youthful and radiant, as his voice suggested.

The previous king had a gentle aura, but the current king was energetic and smiled brightly.

The king, who had just turned thirty, seemed to be at the peak of his physical and mental strength.

Albion borders the land of death, but otherwise, it is a rich and climate-blessed land.

Although it is smaller in total area than the Lotus Empire, the territory of the Kingdom of Albion, located in the center of the continent, is vast.

This great country is governed entirely by this man.

"So, this is the Cerberus's offspring. Robert, is this man a beastmaster?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. His name is Camus, and he seems to have a skill."

The king nodded and looked at Camus.

"Camus, I want to make Cerberus my mount. Can you do it?"

"...Yes, if you give me some time, I will try to train it."

"Very well. I recently received a winged horse as a gift and tried riding it, but it didn't feel right. The country also needs skilled beastmasters."

The king glanced at Robert.

"Camus, the king wants to hire you as a dedicated trainer. What do you think?"

"...Is it all right with me?"

"I won't say it's not forced, but I will allow a certain degree of freedom and financial flexibility."

"Hmm. I am deeply grateful for Your Majesty's consideration."

Camus gripped the pendant at his chest. He must be thinking of Melissa, who stayed in the village.

However, there was no hesitation in Camus's voice.

I was inwardly surprised by the king's quick decision, but Camus seemed to have been prepared to some extent.

"About Cerberus's name, what about Purgatoria? It sounds strong, doesn't it?"

"Sounds good, Your Majesty."

The king's eyes sparkled, and Robert smiled.

The king nodded once and then looked at Cerberus again.

"This one has three heads. They seem to have different temperaments and look in different directions, don't they?"

From his chair, the king playfully waved his finger, and the three heads of Cerberus reacted differently.

Camus answered the king's question.

"That's correct, Your Majesty. The middle head is bold, the right head is cautious, and the left head is timid, each with its own personality."

"Well, what should we do? Tristan."

"Yes, Your Majesty. As you know, it can breathe fire. Furthermore, the parent of this Cerberus summoned a mist that troubled us."

As Tristan explained Cerberus's characteristics, the king murmured, "I see, as reported."

"Hmm. Let's call the energetic middle head Shams, and the cautious right head Mist."

The king, who had been looking at Cerberus, suddenly turned his gaze to me. Here it comes.

"Noah Ignis Essex, right?"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

As expected, it came. Good, my voice isn't shaking.

It's okay, take a deep breath, exhale, and don't forget to smile, Noah. You can do it.

"If you were to name a pet dog, what would you call it?"

"...Hachi?"

If the king had asked me to name Cerberus, I might have come up with a better name.

Hachi, of all things, Hachi. It's probably one of the more unusual names. The world is different, after all.

No, in other words, I was incredibly nervous.

"That's an unusual name. What does it mean?"

"---It's an old word for a loyal dog, Your Majesty."

I'm not lying, right?

I prayed for the cold sweat to stop and tried to maintain a smile.

"Hmm, a good name. Then, let's name the timid left head Hachi, wishing for its loyalty to me."

It was adopted.

Shams, Mist, and Hachi. It's quite unbalanced, but the king seemed in a good mood as he called each name.

"Everyone, you have worked hard. I have a private matter to discuss with Noah. You should all join the banquet."

"!"

I flinched. Tristan, though expressionless, seemed a bit confused.

The guards flanked us, guiding Tristan and Camus.

"You should go too, Lady Knight."

Robert tried to lead Alice away, but she refused to move.

"Robert, you should also leave."

"…Your Majesty."

Robert appealed to the king with a resigned but dissatisfied look.

The king waved his hand dismissively at Robert and then spoke to Alice.

"Lady Knight, what I am about to say might be a secret that, once known, you cannot return alive."

"My name is Alice, Your Majesty. I have sworn by my sword to be by Noah's side at all times."

"Alice..."

The king laughed off my panic.

"Haha! What a brave young lady. I have one female knight in my personal guard, and she might get along well with her!"

The king stopped laughing and stared at me intently.

"Half of it is a joke. The other half depends on Noah, I suppose?"

Under the strong gaze like the sun, I unconsciously tried to step back, but suddenly something warm touched my hand.

"Then it's fine. I trust Noah."

Alice took my hand and said that.

Looking into Alice's clear eyes, which exuded confidence, I regained my composure.

Camus led Purgatoria away, and Tristan and Robert left.

The guards also disappeared behind the door, leaving only me, Alice, and the king in the audience chamber.

I was very happy that many people helped me think of names for Cerberus. Thank you so much.

I adopted the following names:

- Purgatoria (Purgatory) from Aqua

- Shams (Sun) from JAN-UMI

- Mist (Fog) from Moon Rabbit

- Hachi (laughs) from Sasuke

I really wanted to name it Tama or Pochi, but they lacked the necessary presence, so I asked everyone for suggestions.

I wanted to use all the suggestions, like constellations or the first letters of nicknames, but this time, I decided on these.

The names you suggested might be used for other characters in the story.

Thank you again, sincerely!

January 12, 2015 - Revised