Chapter 252: At the Royal Castle (4)

Chapter 252: At the Royal Castle (4)

[Being in the service of a country many would dislike that. Honestly, I cant trust it either.]

[Do you think so too?]

After leaving King Carls presence, I returned to the room that had been prepared for us. I then communicated with everyone telepathically to inform them that I had met with King Carl and that he seemed to want to recruit us. I used telepathy because there were guards around, and speaking out loud would make it difficult to have a genuine conversation. T/his chapter is updated by nov(ê(l)biin.co/m

The reactions from my comrades varied upon hearing this. Zald speculated that many would be opposed to the idea, and I agreed with him on that. We generally do not trust countries because they have always used us and forced us to shed blood.

The Kingdom of Harlasia was not the Rakil Empire, and King Carl seemed wise enough to favor us. However, there are certainly many among us whose past experiences prevent them from making rational judgments. Convincing them will not be easy.

[What about you, Mika?]

[Whatever Master Antares wishes I suppose you dont want an answer like that. As for me, I think its too early to judge whether to accept the offer or not.]

[Why not! We cant let such a good opportunity pass!]

Bolts, who was usually indifferent to everything, unexpectedly burst in with a telepathic shout, cutting off Mikas calm reasoning. This display of emotion was unusual for him.

Not only had he volunteered for the trip to the royal capital, but his recent actions were also very different from his usual behavior. Was something going on with him? Though he would never talk about it.

[Serve the country?! Opportunities for beings like us to secure a stable life might never come again! And youre willing to just throw that away? Are you all idiots?!]

[Watch your words, Bolts. Calm down.]

[Hmph]

Zalds stern reprimand seemed to upset Bolts, who cut off the telepathic connection sulkily. It appeared he was even refusing to communicate further with us. I truly had no idea what was going through his mind.

[What about you, Rinne?]

[Honestly, Im fine either way.]

Rinne seemed utterly disinterested. She was fine as long as Mika was there, and she was probably going to follow him no matter what he did. Ever since they had completed an infiltration mission together, Rinne had grown increasingly close to Mika. Though they were not married yet, they had essentially become husband and wife.

It was obvious, even before asking, that Rinnes only concern was to be with Mika, hence her lack of interest in the matter. Perhaps it was time to consult the last member of our group.

[Chirik, what about you? Do you wish to stay in this country?]

[Um, I its complicated. But I think its better if we accept the offer.]

This was unexpected. I had assumed Chirik would simply say that he would follow his teachers lead, but it seemed he had his own thoughts on the matter. Even though he was still young, Chirik was known for his remarkable intelligence. It was worth hearing him out.

Faced with such aggression, we could not remain silent. Without even a glance among us, we acted. I swiftly stepped forward and seized the necks of the two men before I lifted them off the ground, while Zald and Mika held down the wrists of their sword-drawing right hands. Rinne and Chirik were enhancing their spiritual power, ready to unleash their spiritual arts at any moment.

Only Bolts looked pale and his gaze was darting about in confusion. Why was he panicking when even Chirik was prepared to act?

Do not get ahead of yourself. Just because we are showing restraint, who do you think you are?

Please, calm down, Mr. Antares!

I am as calm as can be, Crus. I havent killed anyone, nor have I assumed a battle stance. If I were serious, you would all be dead by now. The only reason I havent is out of respect for you.

Crus was drenched in cold sweat as he desperately tried to pacify me. I didnt want to trouble him, especially since he had not shown arrogance or disdain toward us. Despite my threatening words, I never intended to kill them. Doing so would irreparably damage our relations with the Harlasia Kingdom.

We were prepared to abandon the carriage and its load in the worst-case scenario. While losing a brand new carriage was one thing, the cargo was almost nonexistent since we planned to purchase it along the way. However, among the ordinary horses left in the stable were Apao and Lieselottes mounts, along with Leo and Lappy, who were supposed to accompany them. For their sake, we intended nothing more than a show of force.

I deeply apologize for those two! Please, let them go!

Very well. Both of you, release them.

Cough! Cough!

Youugh!

In response to Cruss plea, we let go of the knights, who glared at us with killing intent as they coughed and gasped for air. However, before they hurl insults at me, Crus landed a powerful punch on their faces.

The force of Crus blow, enhanced by his fighting spirit, sent the knights flying into the wall. Judging from the sounds, one of them had a broken jaw and the other had several broken teeth. Crus had thrown his punch with full force.

Mr. Antares and his friends may hold low status, but they are genuine powerhouses, and people His Majesty earnestly desires to have on his side. To commit such an outrage against them.You should be ashamed!

..!

Take these men away. Theyve done nothing but displease Mr. Antares and his friends.

Overwhelmed by Cruss imposing demeanor, the knights complied and took away the two we had subdued. With only us and Crus remaining, we lowered our weapons and sat down as we had before.

I truly apologize. His Majesty mentioned more than once that there was no need to test you, but it seems he was overruled. In exchange, he has instructed that you be accommodated in the guest rooms of the castle. It might not be enough to make amends for the discourtesy but please, please do not go away on your own accord.

Haah I understand. You can lift your head.

With those words, Crus bowed deeply. To dismiss him after he had conceded so much would make us seem like the villains. If inducing such guilt was his strategy, it had certainly succeeded.

While his true intentions remained unclear, Crus led us from the grand hall to guest rooms similar to the one I had been taken to. Surprisingly, we were told that each of us could have our own room, but Chirik and I, as well as Mika and Rinne, decided to share the same room. Actually, I would have appreciated it if Zald and Bolts could share the same room, but Bolts was against the idea, so they each ended up with separate rooms.

The spacious and clean room made me feel very uncomfortable. But it was too late to refuse. I swallowed a sigh and entered the room given to us.