119: Serious talk’s a pain, huh.

We arrived in Gandar, the city where Lord Bairoroad, the Marquis of the Frontier, resides.

“Ooh, look at that. Fancy.”

Van stuck his head out of the carriage, squinting.

I leaned out too. Ahead on the road, the western gate of Gandar was already visible, with ceremonial guards leading a line of soldiers standing in perfect formation.

Kyle did the same, shielding his eyes with his hand.

“Looks like it’s not just my father’s army. The Royal Holy Knights are here too.”

“Wait, why?”

I blurted it out before I could stop myself. Then I remembered—Van was the king, after all.

“Brother…”

“No, sorry.”

I’d heard they were waiting, but I’d assumed it was just my father’s troops. Just a bit of a shock, that’s all.

The procession of carriages passed through the western gate, flanked by ceremonial guards, and marched straight toward Gandar Castle.

They moved past the gate and headed for the courtyard within the castle walls.

Soldiers in colorful armor stood perfectly still, saluting without a twitch.

"Alright."

Van grabbed me by the shoulder and pulled me close with a grunt.

"Once we get down from the carriage, I'm Van Deek Midlight von Maugary. Keep your eyes open."

"Uh-huh."

"Fun times! Craft!"

The carriage slowed to a stop.

As planned, Persia stepped down first, then me.

A crimson carpet stretched all the way to the castle gates. I hesitated for a second—was it okay to step on it with my boots?

(Your Highness! Don’t stop!)

(O-oh! Right!)

This time, I wasn’t just a guard. I was a guest.

I straightened my chest, forced a stiff smile, and stepped onto the brand-new carpet.

(They’re gonna charge me for cleaning later, right?)

Stalling, unsure how to move, Ryuuko suddenly appeared from the side—my personal maid, here to guide me.

Ryuuko was a special familiar, built around a dragon-tooth warrior forged from dragon materials, fused with homunculus and golem techniques, every last bit of magic and craft stitched together.

She looked almost human.

She’d been riding in the lead carriage, scheduled to follow me all along.

“Please, this way. My lord.”

“O-oh, right.”

No trace of nerves in her. Not even a flicker.

Damn, she’s the best damn maid around.

It’s common for important people to bring their own servants. That’s why I brought her this time. And damn, it was the perfect choice.

"Please line up here. Lord Kyle, Lady Maina, His Majesty King Maugary will proceed ahead."

"Stand by the side of this carpet, right?"

"Yes."

Following the instructions, I step aside, clapping as we greet the three.

First, Kyle emerges from the carriage, escorting Maina. The two move forward just like me, falling into step beside me.

When Kyle and Maina clap, only then does Van finally step down from the carriage.

At the same moment, a trumpet blares, and the ceremonial guards raise their flags in unison.

"Whoa, damn."

If the townsfolk had been allowed to watch, we’d be in trouble by now.

Walking down the center of the red carpet, his stride was imposing.

Van from just a moment ago wasn’t there anymore. He was, without a doubt, a man befitting a king.

When he passed by us waving one hand, the king gave a quick wink and was gone.

Definitely Van, huh!

Wasted my tension for nothing!

Kyle smirked, catching the look on my face.

"Looks like your brother’s nerves are settled."

"Damn. I was rolled in Van’s palm from the start."

"Very much like the king, wouldn’t you say? Brother, please follow behind us."

"Got it."

Kyle and Maina fell in behind Van, and I followed with Ryuco giving me the reverse escort.

"Keep your eyes forward."

"Right."

And so, with stiff smiles plastered on, we marched into Gandar Castle.

That day, we were led straight to our guest chambers.

I must’ve been more nervous than I thought—woke up to find myself asleep like mud.

◆

At breakfast the next morning, all the participants gathered together.

Lord Bairoroad and King Maugary jointly invited Kyle and Maina. That’s to be expected.

Me and Leifan were invited together, naturally.

Raidock and his party member Solar were also invited. The other three—don’t know if they were left out on purpose or if it was just Raidock and his girl from the start—but they weren’t invited.

Jabir sensei is here, of course.

And all three of the Casper sisters.

What’s shocking is that Shurl is invited. It’s rare for a half-elf to be invited to a formal event like this—especially not a dwarf or gnome.

Jurala was supposed to come, but she stayed behind to handle the aftermath in the marshlands, so Shurl came as her representative.

And Jitarou, too.

…Van, man, you’re getting way too cozy with her.

Lyuco wasn’t an invited guest—she was a maid, but she’d been allowed to come along as the general caretaker for everyone.

Finally, Alphard and Persia.

Alphard was part of the swamp-clearing squad, so he was both guest and guard.

Persia was purely there to guard Kyle and Maina.

…She’d even complained about being left behind, saying she’d see Kyle praised no matter what.

Over breakfast, Kyle outlined today’s plans to everyone.

“Morning meeting. Just me, Craft-兄, and Javir’ll be there.”

“Just three?”

“Alphard and Persia are coming as guards, but only the three of us get to speak. Probably just a practical talk with Father and the King.”

“Basically, what it boils down to is—”

Kyle nodded.

"Would be a lot easier if Kyle’s dad wasn’t around."

"Um… Brother. A relaxed attitude in front of His Majesty the King…"

"True enough."

Still, honestly, Lord Bairoroad makes me more nervous than Van does.

Maybe it’s better I’m wound tight.

"Tomorrow’s the formal ceremony. Everyone’s attending."

Out of nowhere, a stiff ceremony the next day.

Guess we’re just supposed to sit quietly, according to plan.

Just follow the rehearsal we did earlier.

If anything comes up, I can always ask Ryuuko!

We’d just finished double-checking our walking posture and bowing etiquette when we were called into the room.

"Let’s go."

"Right."

Kyle and Mr. Javir walked beside me. We were led to a small conference room.

◆

"Hey, you made it, Kyle."

"Good morning, Your Majesty Maugary. Father."

"Sit down, sit down."

At the table, Lord Bairoroad, the Marquis of the Frontier, and Van sat facing each other directly.

Behind them stood guards and attendants, waiting.

On either side of the table sat the eldest son, Flatten, and a girl in a black dress—about the same age as me, I’d guess.

Flatten looked younger than Zaid, like he’d been hoarding youth elixirs.

Good-looking. Sharp eyes locked onto me.

The girl across from Flatten… well, she wasn’t much older than me, really.

They called her the Black Rose Princess, I think. Kyle’s half-sister, right?

Ryra? Something like that.

But the one I couldn’t stop staring at was the figure in the corner of the room.

Zaid was cuffed, flanked by soldiers. His face was blank. No emotion. Hard to read.

"Alright, now we begin the pre-meeting. Orthros."

"Right. Now I’ll lay out the facts we’ve uncovered. Everyone here—what’s said from now on is to be kept strictly confidential."

"“““Yes.”””"

I, Kyle, watch as Master Javir stiffens, his expression tightening.

"Let me cut to the chase. The mastermind behind everything… was my wife. Zaid and Layra’s mother… Bela Bairoroad."

Lord Bairoroad closes his eyes tightly.

I lower my gaze. Javir covers his face.

Zaid remains expressionless, blank as stone.

"And Bela… fled to her homeland, the Duvatten Empire."

Black as pitch, huh.

Only two more chapters left—fourth arc wrapping up soon!

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