Dawn- An age of Darkness

"The emperor? And that's why you seek strength? But why?" The boy did seem rather shocked but he kept his face straight. 

I sighed. I didn't have much time and I didn't want to go through this bullshit. "Because if I don't, if I can't win against him, all of you are next. He'll wage war in less than three months against all of humanity. I'm a summon. I've come from another world." I pulled out the Mystic blade from my ring. "Trerortra- the god of light entrusted this sword to me and I'm going to save the world." The lines were really cringe-worthy, but I had nothing better. "I'm the apostle of Xerphas, the god of courage. I'm favored by Anverosa and even Damsel. All for one thing- so that I can rid this world of evil. So, I can stop the emperor." Yeah, at this point, even I was embarrassed of the shit I was spouting. 

I was afraid Alisa would have frowned but she didn't. 

My companions were just staying quiet. 

I was really glad for that.

'Ridding this world of evil huh?' I could almost snort at my own words but I didn't. 

I wasn't doing all this for other people, rather everything was for my sake. It was all to please my morals and my ideals. In the end, I was just a pretender. 

"Yes, that would make sense. Your strength is comparable to that of a demigod. Yes! That does make sense!" 

How the hell did it make sense? Just how!

And more importantly, why weren't they surprised and stuff?

Yeah, they were a bit shocked but that was all. No one was screaming 'we're going to die!' no one was screaming, 'It was only a matter of time' and all that stuff. Like what the hell!

People weren't even turning as pale as I thought they would. Weren't they afraid that war was so close?

And why the hell was I so friggin disappointed? 

'Looks like this guy is convinced.' Somehow.

But we were getting off track here. More importantly! "And that's why I'm seeking more power. The land was kind of a byproduct. The women? Yeah, I only love one and- OUCH!"

I got elbowed by both Ve and Alisa. Biteria was kind of biting my arm. 

Yeah, not pleasant. 

I had a feeling if Viola was here, she'd have strangled my neck or something. 

The boy on the throne kind of let out a chuckle.

The whole room was quiet so it was no surprise that the kid was really a kid at heart. 

So much for my dramatic reveal!

The boy composed himself a second later though. He cleared his throat. "I see. Welcome to Destoa and thank you for ending this war. I've never seen you battle but hearing your exploits give me courage and hope for a brighter future. We'll aid you as best as we can in your conquest." He stood up. "And for your rewards, you may take the Mythic blade with you on your journey as my sister promised you before and you wanted the Alablaster wastelands if I believe?"

'Aid in my conquest?' I had a feeling he'd propose something rather outrageous later, but for the time being, I rolled with it.  "Yes."

"Very well, you shall have that. I imagine it would be tough for you to stay in the palace tonight but would you join our celebrations of the holy night festival? I wish to discuss some things with you tomorrow morning if that's okay with you."

Well, wasn't this guy thoughtful?

I chuckled slightly. "Of course." It wasn't like I could deny it anyway.

"Well, then a maid will lead you to the guestrooms." He gave a glance at the minister standing next to me. "And I'll let the lord Browly handle the diplomatics."

Our one was named Bere-something so, he was talking about his minister.

Both ministers bowed once and started leaving the room. I guess these guys were willing to work with Xylax. But wait, they could have used this chance to make a pact with Helsing or maybe even Alfeim, but they didn't. 'So, there's more to this politics?'

Meaning tomorrow morning was going to be very lit. I could almost grimace, but I didn't. 

Well, that was fast. Our minister did bow to me once more before leaving though. Zack just followed him; he gave me a wave, before leaving.

I wanted to head out right away but- "Your highness, if I may-"

"Yes?"

I saw a lot of nobles frowning. I could guess what they were thinking but- I had something even better. "Are you punishing this holy knight for failing to save your cousin?" Okay, that came out a bit too blunt.

All this time, I was supposed to address that, but I didn't know how to. They probably just assumed I'd be a bit enraged but, honestly, I had a better response. After all, I couldn't just play into their hands. 

"No, his punishment is being taken care of by my sister, princess Beatrine. I have no say in this."

"Oh?" I turned sideways and walked. "Then pardon me." I stood right in front of the princess and gave her a good glare. Yeah, I had to act a little rough, or I'd probably not get any answers. "Would you mind telling me what this is?" I pointed at Gorgon.

"My trusted knight?"

"Yes, but why is he chained and beat up?"

"I gave him one mission and he failed." Her voice was soft. "He failed." She seemed to be oddly in pain. I had a feeling she might end up crying if I pushed her too hard.

"And that's why you're doing this?"

"Yes." Her voice was almost a whisper.

I slouched down. "Mind telling me, why you didn't quit or-?"

Gorgon looked at me, nonplussed. He smiled slightly. "You know already. Yes, and I think she knows too, but why?" I had no idea if he was answering me or asking me questions. His voice was slow and kind of light. 

His lips were dry and he had bruises on that pretty face of his.

He was barely conscious, so I didn't blame him for his babbling.

Alisa sighed. She was right behind me. "Keeping appearance is also a vital part of the nobility."

The princess's hands were tied.

Come to think of it, this room was full of nobles and soldiers. 

'Wait, didn't this moron come here as my-'

Well, a smile crept up on my lips. "If I remember correctly, the holy knight Gorgon came as one of my messengers, correct?" I spoke loud and clear. I actually had a rather dashing smile and I wasn't allowing even a shred of rage to come out. Everyone heard me. 

"Yes, my lord." Alisa seemed to get my drift. 

"I can't 'believe' one of my messengers have been treated this way!" I was acting very dramatic if nothing else. "Oh, how 'cruel!'" I touched Gorgon's wounds and groaned. This act was kind of cringe even for me but- "I wonder how Destoa will make up for this." I gave a blood-thirsty glare towards the nobles. There were plenty here so I didn't need to do much glaring. 

Almost everyone in front went pale and fumbled. 

I did get one or two glares back but no one was brave enough to keep eye contact for more than one second. 

Nobles had to keep an act at all times. Meaning, they couldn't really say anything about this either.

For the moment, their former royal didn't even matter anymore. It was either they listen to me or face my wrath. And I didn't think they'd choose to face me of all things. 

"Don't, you'll only-" Gorgon tried, but I just ignored him. 

"Y-yes, it would seem we have mistreated your messenger. I believe there was a misunderstanding. If-if you'd forgive-" A noble tried. He was the same guy who started shouting when Biteria hadn't bowed. 

Since he kept quiet back then- I had a better response now.  "Anyway," I spoke loud and clear, brought out the mystic sword, and sliced his chains. 

He was free but his wounds were still pretty deep. 

So, I cast a bit of healing magic: I was getting pretty good at this. Almost all his bruises disappeared, he was still pretty beat up though. It was enough for him to get back on his feet, barely. The princess acted as his support, her eyes glistening: She seemed genuinely relieved. 

I was yet again reminded that this guy was a lot sturdier than I thought. And the princess was a lot bold too. 

"I'll overlook this just once." Acting high and mighty was kind of fun. I put a hand on Gorgon's shoulder. "Don't go too crazy now. I still want to punch your lights out, so I can't have you dying on me," I whispered. 

He smiled faintly- while the princess stayed quiet. 

Anyway, we were done here. "We'll be in the city. It's been a long time since I've been to a human city, might as well have some fun."

No one complained, no one said anything. 'Looks like my acting worked.'

I really hope it didn't backfire though.

"It really was nice to meet you, your highness. I wish you good day." I bowed slightly before the king and started leaving. 

The king nodded once.

I heard gasps, sighs of relief, and loads and loads of murmurs. 

I was kind of satisfied of this outcome though. 

***

"Is it me or did that go too nicely?" I talked as we walked toward the exit.

This castle was pretty big and people were still running around. I finally understood why. The festival. 

Everyone was excited about the festival. 

"I suppose they were too afraid that you'd kill them all and take over," Alisa said. "You acted a lot more calmly and smartly than I had anticipated. Therefore, even I'm surprised. Under normal circumstances, this wouldn't have been possible but you stating you'd take on the emperor, struck fear in them and gave them hope at the same time. Well-done. " She patted my back and then slapped my butt. 

Seriously! That was sexual harassment, you frigging rabbit!

Yeah, I was just as much surprised if not more. 

"Didn't you say they wanted to force a political marriage on me?" I was definitely glad they didn't though. 

"Oh, you wanted a new one? We aren't, enough?" She said, sulkily, poking here and there. She wasn't the least sad though.

And I didn't have the time or the mood to complain. 

So instead, we just walked out.. "Hell no," I mumbled. 

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