Volume 3 - CH 18

Chapter 18 – The Audience And Reward

The next day, the audience at the royal castle was held without a hitch. Every member of the squad was given compliments and rewards by the King. Not only that, they were also publicly acknowledged for their efforts to protect the royal capital, which will greatly lead to the trust of guilds and customers for the three adventurer’s parties.

In Eto’s party’s case, since all members of his party are slaves, all their achievements were also Eto’s achievements. Each member of his party made a great contribution for that operation, like Sorano, who was the one who detected the fluctuation of magic power and finished the Red-eye off. Needless to say, Eto, Kohaku, and Amou’s achievements were just as great as Sorano. They were able to successfully stall and subdue the hordes of Goblins with just three of them, after all. Hence, if anyone asked who made the most outstanding achievement in this operation, people would undoubtedly mention Eto’s name.

Rather, it may be said that their achievements were so great that it made the country difficult to respond. Or at least, Eto, who can be called a small-minded person, felt that kind of atmosphere in the royal castle. That is why, when only he and his party were called after the audience was over, he felt nervous, thinking that they might receive some unpleasant words from some higher-ups.

Guided by the servant, Eto and his party found themselves in a small room only with a reception set. Looking at that, Eto was a little relieved as it seems it wasn’t a room used by high-ranking nobles. Although he still didn’t know why they were called, that fact alone seemed to lighten his nerves.

As Eto and his party enjoyed the tea and sweets served in the room, the back door suddenly opened, and some people entered the room. The first person to enter is Sybolt, the leader of the imperial guards, who was in charge of  the protection of the King. Seeing him, Eto and his party stood in a hurry and bowed to Sybolt.

However, apparently, it was still too early for them to be surprised. Because the next person to enter was Frederick Carmine, the King of Carmine Kingdom.

At that moment, Eto stood still and stiffened. The other three were equally surprised because the King suddenly appeared in front of them. It was so unrealistic that even Kohaku forgot to close her mouth.

“Please be at ease, Eto.”

Hearing the words of the King, Eto returned to sanity. He tried to bow down on the spot right away, but he was stopped by another voice. It was the prime minister, Bismarck, who had entered the room before they knew it.

“Eto, this time I prepared this kind of place at the request of His Majesty. So there is no need for you to be so formal.”

“Ha!”

Eto then nervously sat back on the sofa he was sitting on before. He listened to the King’s story while feeling at a loss in the situation he is currently in.

“Now, regarding the matter of the suicide squad, I would like to give a special reward to you four who have made great achievements.”

After that, the King gave each member of Eto’s party words of appreciation and shook hands with each of them. And when the King left the room, Eto felt like he lost some strength because of the nervousness of facing the King of his kingdom directly. He even forgot that prime minister Bismarck was still in front of him.

“Cough. Eto yo, are you alright now?”

The prime minister started talking after drawing Eto’s attention.

“Forgive me, Your Excellency. It is a great honor to be able to meet and talk to His Majesty in person. Thank you very much for the chance you have given.”

“Umu. That’s fine, no problem. It was His Majesty’s request after all. His Majesty seems to like you four.”

With a bitter smile, the prime minister said and squinted his eyes, stared at Eto.

“About the rewards. His Majesty said each of you would be given one item you like from the royal treasure. A guide will take you to the treasure room soon, so take your time and choose.”

After saying that, the prime minister clapped his hands twice. Then, an elderly man with a long white beard that grew down to his chest entered the room.

“Bismarck-sama, are these the people?”

The prime minister nodded. Incidentally, it seems, even Eto, who has spent a year in the royal castle, has never seen the old man before.

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The old man in question then quickly left the room, leaving Eto and his party who didn’t know what to do.

“Why don’t you follow me?”

But after a while, the old man once again opened the door and angrily said. As it seems they will be going somewhere, Eto and his party thanked the prime minister and hurriedly followed the old man.