Volume 3 - CH 10

Chapter 10 – Audience

The higher-ups decided that the suicide squad would begin their mission three days later in the morning right when the hordes of Goblins retreat to the forest around the royal capital.

Because of that, Eto and his party spent busy days checking the consumables that they’re going to bring to the mission and having other members of the suicide squad try out the effects of Eto’s support magic. And the day before the decisive day, the main members of the suicide squad will be gathered at the royal castle to have an audience with the King.

Incidentally, the last time Eto had an audience with the King was before the hero’s party embarked on an adventure outside the royal capital. That time, they vowed in front of the King to subdue the monsters for the sake of the well-being of the citizens. And the King likely also knows that Eto has left the Hero’s party. Therefore, without knowing what the King thought of him, Eto felt very restless even before the audience started.

On the day of the audience, the members of the suicide squad who were summoned to have an audience, met in the waiting room. There are a total of thirteen adventurers, four from Eto’s party, four from 『Arrow of Light』, and five from 『Shrine of Aragami』. From the knights, there are a total of ten elite knights who are proficient at close combat while also being able to use magic. From the magic corps, since the weakness of the Red-eye is still unknown, they sent five advanced magic users among the magicians who can use the four major elements, which are fire, water, wind and earth.

Puke, who was the leader of the magic corps, is also among those five magicians. Yes, Puke, who can use every attribute of magic, in the end, joined suicide squad, despite the opposition from the surrounding people1.

However, regarding Puke’s participation on the mission, Eto thought it was more because he was interested in the rare species of Goblin rather than a sense of obligation. Although for many, it was unbelievable to risk one’s life for the sake of satisfying one’s own curiosity, Eto knew that it was just one of his traits.

After waiting for a while, prompted by the guide, the members of the suicide squad left the waiting room and entered the audience hall. As they entered, Eto felt a bit nostalgic looking at the soft red carpet leading to the throne. Eto recalled that when he came to the royal capital and met the King for the first time, he was surprised at the softness of the red carpet. He also remembered that Lana, who walked next to him, also nervously stepped on the carpet.

Having arrived at the designated area, they immediately got on one’s knee and lowered their head. Then, by the words of the Prime Minister Bismarck, the members of the suicide squad lifted their head. There, Eto can see the dignified figure of the King sitting on his throne, just like a few years ago. At that time, looking at the nervous Eto and Lana who came from the countryside, the King just laughed and gave them words of encouragement, saying, “Thanks for your hard work. Do continue doing so.” And after that, they were able to spend their time in the royal castle comfortably without being discriminated against for being commoners.

Remembering that, with apology and determination Eto said in his heart, ‘His Majesty, please forgive me for not being able to meet your expectation and leaving the Hero’s party. I hope I can repay the kindness of His Majesty even a bit by joining the suicide squad this time.’

Just like that, the King continued giving the words of encouragement to them, and the audience was approaching its end. But right before they left, the King turned his gaze towards Eto.

“Long time no see, Eto.”

The king’s eyes narrowed gently, and his tone was as gentle, just like speaking to an old friend. As those remarks were totally unplanned, the Prime Minister Bismarck tried to say something to the King, but the King stopped him with his gaze.

“I know that I already put Eto in a lot of trouble. That’s why, I really wish you can live peacefully after that, but it looks like I ended up troubling you again.”

Saying that, the king’s expression returned to a dignified expression he showed when they were still having an audience.

“Please, it wasn’t trouble, your Majesty. Rather, I just wasn’t able to meet your Majesty’s expectations before. Thus, for the sake of people’s well-being, I would like to do my best to help this time.”

Being able to say what he had in mind, Eto’s stiff body and mind unknowingly loosened.

“I see. Looks like Eto remembered your vow to me. Please do your best.”

“Yes.”

Hearing that, Eto teared up, as he felt that His Majesty just eased the guilt he had for leaving the hero’s party.