Chapter 197: Time to meet the King.

Chapter 197: Time to meet the King.

Whether it was in my past life or my life now in Peolynca, I can for sure say that Ive never been arrested by a law official before. Sure, I caused some trouble and got scolded by my parents, and now Saori, but I never explicitly broke the law. At least, I didnt do so intentionally.

Well, unfortunately, the knights who escorted me to the knights order building in the noble district for an interrogation werent of the same opinion, and they werent too thrilled to do this during the middle of the night. They accused me of two crimes. First, unlawful entry into Griffonpeak without prior registration by a gatekeeper, which applied to commoners, nobles, and foreign priestesses. Pretty much everybody had to do it if they didnt have a proper permit.L1tLagoon witnessed the first publication of this chapter on Ñøv€l--B1n.

And, my second crime was not being a part of the mages guild while possessing custom spells theyd never heard of. They even made me explain what they did to make sure.

I knew I had forgotten something! This is why you shouldnt speak without your lawyer! Verdammt!

The lawyer occupation wasnt a thing; you would receive a representative if you were a noble, but there werent any available in the middle of the night. Well, and I also forgot how to handle these interrogations like someone from one of those crime shows would. I was pretty nervous since this was my first time being arrested. I was a good girl, I was not a criminal, I could just imagine how much Ill get scolded for this!

Anyway, so what exactly happened after the knights brought me in to interrogate me? Well, first they took Ellaine to the infirmary after I told them her identity. Since Ellaines ID was destroyed during the fight with Astalos, much like Grimnirs when he fought the volchark, they had to confirm my words with her parents. Speaking of ID, Grimnir got a new one from the hunters guild, although it was simple, so I figured I could get them the same one Saori, Tasianna, and I had for later. You know, matching IDs.

After I gave them my ID, I made sure to just let them see what was needed, none of the stuff I wanted to keep secret. That was when they cited the crimes I committed. I told them I knew I was sneaking into Griffonpeak unannounced, but it was an emergency since Ellaine was injured. I even used my priestess status to tell them it is my duty as a priestess to aid somebody who aided me, for I would sin in front of the Goddess, if I hadnt. It got them to loosen up a bit until the person who was looking at my ID told everybody about my custom spells.

Now, I hadnt thought this would have been problematic, at first. I hide my dragon skills while leaving [White Flames] and [Corrosive Fire] open to see, since they didnt implicate me as a follower of Danterno. Even for my spells, I had good excuses, in my opinion.

[Unheilige Engel] and [Symphonie des Feuergottes] were German translated into Common, and since Tasiannas custom spells were written in Elven, I thought I could just say I made them in Loatryx. [Sanctified Blaze] and its derivative, [Halo of Consecration], were holy spells, the Goddesss miracles, you can say. If I learned these spells from my homeland, it shouldnt be a problem. They couldnt incriminate me with this.

Well Im pretty sure the old man would scold me for lying, although it was necessary here, but what made me actually worry was the fact the knights werent very impressed. I apologize, Lady Priestess, but while you are in lands owned by us humans, you must register yourself as a mage at a mages guild branch. Aleistunum, the Magical Capital, handles everything related to magic through their guilds. The Kingdom of Artorias follows their regulations to prevent mages from causing trouble. Any custom spells, regardless if they are legal in your homeland, must be registered at the mages guild.

That was when the words of my mage master, Master Kushlekzar came back like a hammer swing.

And do not forget, once you get the chance to register at a mages guild, do it promptly! Register yourself as a mage and display your spells, which will not only increase your prestige but legalize your spells.

Oh crap, I forgot.

They saw that I was registered at the hunters, mercenarys, and bakers guild. Without being a member of the mages guild, I had no way to talk myself out of this except to say that I forgot about it. Thankfully, they seemed to believe me when I apologized profusely for forgetting, but I still wouldnt come out of this without some punishment. Unlawful entry into the Kings city and in possession of unregistered spells. I shuddered.

And that was when a guardian angel arrived.

I am Count Andre Helvas, knight alumni of the Order of the Lionheart. This is High Bishop Theodore from the Firwood temple. We have come to escort Lady Hestia Atsuko and my daughter, Ellaine Fiero Helvas, to his Majestys palace. It was none other than Ellaines father.

With his and Theodores help, I was let go without facing any criminal charges. Greetings, Lady Hestia, it has been a while. Count Helvas, who looked as if he just woke up, greeted me and asked me what happened to Ellaine. Excluding the demon stuff, my explanation caused the count to sigh deeply.

Dammit, I knew this could have happened. As a father, I should have come over the moment I heard Marianne tell me that Ellaine wanted to become an adventurer, Count Helvas expressed his concerns for Ellaine, showing his fatherly love by telling me he had been worrying about her when Aurora hadnt arrived two weeks ago. He knew how hard an adventurers life was, and he was not sure his daughter would be ready for it.

I apologize, Ellaine getting hurt was my fault. The wyvern was an old enemy of mine, who chased me this deep into Artorias. I wasnt strong enough to fully defend her. My mood dropped once I remembered what happened during the fight. I should have been Auroras top combatant. I should have done more instead of being stunned by Astalos. Ellaines near-death experience could have been avoided if I had fought better.

Did she fight well? Has my daughters fighting ability improved?

Ellaines presence in the Astalos was minimal, she couldnt do much since her weapon couldnt penetrate his scales if they hadnt been corroded by my [Unheilige Engel]. However, she fought bravely and she definitely improved under Yorshkas short tutelage. Yes. Yes, she did.

Count Helvas nodded after picking his daughter up from the infirmary. That is good to hear, thank you. I could then hear him whisper, Im sorry for not giving you more of my attention, my little girl, into Ellaines ears. I turned away.

We then left the order building, mounting on Count Helvass griffon. When I greeted the B rank monster, I swore its eyes were telling me he had already recognized me from back then. Considering I was hiding behind a bush when I saw Count Helvas leave his fief, this griffon must have had really good eyesight.

Let us meet at the temple again, Lady Hestia. I pray it will be without any disturbances. Theodore returned back to the temple after seeing us off, our destination was the Artorian Kings palace.

Apparently, the reason why I got out away scot-free was due to Theodore sending a manatech bird to inform the people at the palace about my arrest, since he guessed I wouldnt want to show my [Princess] title to anybody who wasnt already in on it. He then made his way over to Count Helvas, knowing he was once a knight trained by the Order of the Lionheart.

There, Bishop Theodore woke the Count up before a knight came to ask them about Ellaines identity. After confirming her identity, Theodore and Count Helvas flew over to the building with the griffon. They also got a missive just in time from the palace, pardoning me from my charges. Still, I did feel bad for everybody who got themselves involved. Apologizing to everybody, to every single knight who was involved, just made me feel embarrassed.

I really should go to the mages guild with Ellaine and Saori soon

Once at the palace, a butler greeted us there and led us to a room, saying it would be best if I took a rest for the night. Ellaine couldnt go home with Count Helvas yet, as the palace ordered him to let her stay here since the bureaucratic process wasnt over just yet. Tucked into a room right next to mine, I told Count Helvas goodbye and was about to go to bed when an older maid entered the room.

Lady Hestia, my name is Vianna, head caretaker of the royal children. Allow me to serve you while you remain here in Artoriass wonderful Griffonpeak. Her skin and hair were showing signs of age, but the energy she showed with her smile and eyes was a far cry from what an elderly woman should show.

After I finished my introduction in response, she clapped her hands and three maids entered the room. Now, Lady Hestia, the night is nearly over but you must still enjoy a good nights rest. For that, we must cleanse you from the dust and sweat of your journey here.

Working together like a well-oiled machine, the three women undressed me and took me into the bath without a single delay. Water and heating were handled by two of the maids mages, I presumed, from how casting those spells were a non-issue for them. They first allowed me to go to the toilet to empty my bladder and bowels, then shoved me into the shower, before finishing it all with a bath.

Honestly, I felt like I was in a spa. My skin felt cleaner, my scales shiner, my tail and wings were relaxed as the maids massaged them, and my hair was untangled and straightened. These women were professionals!

We took our seats at the table. Ellaine was trembling a lot, looking meek as she tried to avert her eyes from the three men. I was nervous, too, but I guess I couldnt compare to how Ellaine was feeling. I told her with [Telepathy] to calm down, since I figured introductions still had to be done.

Spreading his arms out in welcome, the king introduced himself, Firstly, I welcome you to the Kingdom of Griffons, Artorias, my lady. I am its king, Drangleic var Artorias. I hope your time in my kingdom has been worthwhile. Var could be translated into from, so it should be Drangleic from Artorias.

As neither King Drangleic nor the two gentlemen continued the introductions, I took this as my cue to speak. Thank you very much for your hospitality, King Drangleic. Yes, I have very much enjoyed myself here, all thanks to the courtesy of Duke Greenveil, Marquess Sirius, and Count Helvas. I apologize for my delayed visit. My name is He Princess Hestia Atsuko Kargryxmor, youngest child of Emperor Eltharion of Kargryx.

It felt weird to call myself like that, but I felt it was appropriate for me to make my introduction as long as King Drangleic. Make myself seem more important since the first impression was important.

I then turned to Ellaine, This is my lady-in-waiting, Ellaine Fiero Helvas. As she is an aristocrat of Artorias, I cannot give any less than my utmost praises, your Majesty. Lady Ellaine has been invaluable for my stay in your kingdom, educating me in your customs and culture. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you very much.

I-It is an honor to meet you, Your Majesty, King Drangleic. I-I am but only the second child of Count Helvas, a magnoble of the Duchy of Greenveil. I thank you so very much for allowing me to see you. May the Goddess bless this meeting. I could hear Ellaine yelp a bit, having trouble controlling her fast-paced speaking. As her heart raced, King Drangleic laughed and smiled.

Haha! Yes, I have heard how much your father has done for me, Lady Ellaine. It goes without saying that House Helvas has been instrumental in keeping Princess Hestia entertained in Artorias. I am planning to reward your family for their service. If you wish something from me, I shall allow it. Within reason, of course.

I-I would not dare. It is already an honor to speak with you, your Majesty.

Haha! Well, if you change your mind, inquire with your father. King Drangleic then gestured to the two gentlemen next to him. First, it was the bearded man. This is my political advisor, Lord Ulquint Fresierre Myrrdin. And this is Marshal Armado Donatello Lifcio, my military advisor.

Marshal? Oh, Lord Armado is the general of your kingdoms army, your Majesty? I wondered, but apparently, my presumption was wrong.

Lady Hestia, that is incorrect. The one to correct me wasnt the three gentlemen, but a frantic Ellaine. As a reminder, the current Grand Duke of Military Affairs is Lord Duke Lecartiglio and he is de facto, the grand marshal of the kingdoms armies. The marshal, on the other hand, is the grand marshals subordinate, and is more responsible for the kings military within the perimeter of Griffonpeak.

She then switched over to telepathy. [Also, as you might have noticed by their house names, these men are quite important, so please, mind how you speak with them, Lady Hestia. Please. Lord Ulquint is the former Duke Myrrdin, the father of the current duke, while Lord Armado was once Arcanuess Lifcio, the right-hand man of Duke Lecartiglio. This is too much for me, Lady Hestia!]

Gahahaha! While Ellaine was worrying excessively, the muscular man broke out in a hearty laugh. Enough, Lady Ellaine. I am far too old for excessive etiquette. However, she was right with what my role is, Princess Hestia. Which brings us to the main point of discussion, correct, my King?

Correct, Lord Armado, he nodded before turning back to me. Princess Hestia, I would like to personally thank you for what you have done for the kingdom. For preventing a diplomatic disaster with the elves of Saelariel and for the successful defense of my kingdoms borders. Although you are a foreign dignitary, you have done something remarkable, and for that, you have my gratitude.

Are you possibly speaking about the Davison and grimgarian incidents?

That is correct, Lord Ulquint replied in his kings stead in a raspy voice. As the kingdoms political advisor, you have prevented something which could have destroyed years upon years of work. As you must know, I belong to House Myrrdin and was the head before I handed it over to my son. House Morgianna and my house have been serving the kingdom by rekindling our relationship with the elves of Saelariel. If you had not stopped that damnable alchemist, all the work my House had done would have burned into ashes.

Lord Armado then continued, You have also done an immaculate job in fending off a battalion of grimgarians, Princess Hestia. According to your reports, a grimgarian army is situated on the other side of the Avitor peaks, something our scouts have confirmed. In fact, it isnt just an army, it seems the beasts are constructing a whole civilization there.

Now that was surprising to hear. I knew the grimgarians were building something, at least according to the lizardmen I met in the Belzac forest, but I didnt think it would be an entire civilization. Aside from their desire to destroy humans, I guess they did just want to create a place for themselves.

That is the case, Princess Hestia. As a sign of gratitude, I have already commissioned Duchess Morgiana to repair your mana paths; I presume they still havent healed yet? the king asked me.

They have not, thank you for your consideration, I couldnt help but smile as I responded, imagining how amazing it would be to fly again without my rocket boosters. When will this appointment be?

In two weeks, on the first of SpringBloom. There will be a ball dedicated to welcoming our guests from the Folschreck Empire. According to the reports I read today, you should have already met Saintess Eshe?

Saintess Eshe? Yes, as fellow followers of Aurena, we have met for the first time today, this mor Oh, which means you should have already learned what Ive done. I am sorry! I didnt mean to break any laws, your Majesty. It wasnt as if following the law was my highest priority, as circumventing them sometimes for a good cause is something I preferred. The king forgave me, but then something else came into mind. Hold on, if you are mentioning a ball, then are you possibly

Yes, this is an invitation to partake in the ball, Princess Hestia. Everybody in this room and certain individuals have already made themselves aware of your existence for separate reasons. This would include all my dukes since they are the foundation of my kingdom, King Drangleic informed me. He might be hinting at the stunt I did in Cedaraille, regardless if they knew me as a dragon or as a powerful mage. However, I am not forcing you. This is a ball for Saintess Eshe and my guests from the Folschreck Empire, so you are not socially obligated to join us. Nevertheless, it would be a great opportunity for you to meet the other nobles of my kingdom. You may even hide your actual identity if you wish. I heard Loatryx had a caste system, too, so you must be able to think of something.

In a way, yes. Loatryx honors and respects dragonewts with bloodlines belonging to strong dragons. The kinkyuro would be something similar to your greifnobles, but its more of a republic at the end of the day, spewing out all this information I learned from Yorshka, I hoped I said everything correctly. Although, about the ball, I am not so sure yet if I wish to join.

Lady Hestia, Ellaine looked at me questionably, but King Drangleic simply waved his hand.

There is no issue. If you wish to join, then I would be overjoyed. I wish to give you a good time before we begin a serious discussion. I know you arent a politician, but I still wish to speak with you about a certain proposal, Princess Hestia. The king then placed his hands on the table and pushed himself up. That would be all I have to say, Princess Hestia. As I said, we do not have too much time to speak. I presume you would like to leave my palace? If you have nowhere to go, I would love to accommodate you with all the hospitality I am able to give.

I declined his proposal, saying I would be staying with Ellaines family. However, my business wasnt done just yet. One more moment of your time, please. I actually have something important to give you. Your Majesty, could you lend me a map of your kingdom?

Accepting my proposal, Lord Ulquint went over to a bookshelf and pulled out an A1 sized piece of parchment. Unfurling it, he presented to me a map of Artorias. Reaching down into my mind to bring out the memory of the map Aurena showed me, displaying Artorias with various points of interests. These were apparently locations for certain demonkin actions.

After pointing at those exact locations, Lord Ulquint noted it down for me, showing King Drangleic the map with those locations marked. I dont want to cause everybody to panic by telling you exactly what the issue is, but I think it would be very important for you to monitor or even check these locations out. The information should be reliable. I then pointed upwards. Aside from knowing my identity as a dragon, they also knew me as Aurenas Champion I believe, if Marquess Sirius or High Bishop Theodore had informed them in time.

King Drnagleic understood what I meant, gave the map a quick glance before handing it over to Lord Armado. You have our benefit of the doubt, Princess Hestia, after we confirmed your info on those grimgarians. Ill inform the Grand Marshal and the responsible dukes. Problems need to be nipped by their buds before they blossom. The merciless, no-nonsense glare he gave the map after responding to me made it clear this person wasnt somebody to anger when it came to the safety of his home kingdom. I should probably respect this.

After saying our goodbyes, Vianna entered the room again and escorted us outside. Ellaine and I couldnt stop ourselves from sighing, finally free of the tense atmosphere inside the room. Vianna gave us a comforting laugh, saying we should give ourselves a good rest after just arriving in Griffonpeak this morning. We then left the palace, where a griffon carriage was waiting for us.

Saying our goodbyes to Vianna, we entered the carriage and set to the sky. While I relaxed and ruined my sitting posture to sigh dramatically, Ellaine suddenly asked me something.

Hestia, would it be ok with you if I gave you a tour of the city?