After an eventful morning at the beach, the family left for the castle town in a fancy two-horse carriage. The wheels of the carriage creaked as they made their way up the hill leading toward the central square.
“It’s pretty quiet, huh? I expected more to be going on in the capital.”
“This city isn’t a place for a blabbermouth like you, m’kay?”
“Pfft, okay! Talk about the pot calling the kettle black!”
“Myukey, Myukey, I love your tawkin’!”
“I love your talking too, Marie.”
Luina and Anima watched as the girls enjoyed the carriage ride through the castle town that was just as quiet and serene as Myuke had noted. As they got farther in, the colorful houses were gradually replaced by older, more historic-looking buildings.
“Ah, look! We can see the castle!”
“Wooow! So biiig!”
“It’s huge, m’kay?”
They gathered around Myuke and peered out the window. They were still far away from it, but the castle had been built to allow the king to easily watch over his land.
“We have arrived.”
The carriage came to a halt, and after a few moments, the driver opened the door. Next to him stood Shaer, who hadn’t wanted to disturb their family trip, so she had chosen to fly ahead.
“Did you find the ride satisfactory?”
“It was sooo fun!”
“I’m delighted to hear that.” Moved by Marie’s genuine smile, Shaer also cracked a smile. “Lord Anima, shall we discuss the proceedings further? Lady Luina, please feel free to rest until we’ve finished. A room has already been paid for at the nearby inn. Please confirm your room number with the staff.”
“Thank you for your generosity.”
“Please, it’s only natural. I’m deeply grateful that you accepted my request, and that you accompanied me on this long trip. It must have been tiring.”
“Don’t worry about it. This was the perfect excuse for a fun family outing.”
“I’ve got a better family than I ever could’ve dreamed of! I’m super thankful that you asked Anima to defeat me, m’kay?!”
“You’re welcome. Though I must admit, being thanked by someone I was ordered to subdue certainly feels strange,” she said in a gentle tone, then turned around. “Shall we go, Lord Anima?”
“All right. See you in a bit, girls.”
“You goin’ out, Daddy?”
Marie stared at Anima with puppy-dog eyes. He crouched down and gently petted her head.
“I have to talk with Shaer for a little bit, but I’ll be back soon. Be a good girl and play with your sisters, okay?”
“’Kaaay!” Marie cheerfully nodded to Anima’s request. “I love paying with Myukey and Brum!”
“Good girl.”
Anima stood up and looked at Luina, who anxiously averted her gaze. Her anxiety was only natural—her family’s peace was hanging in the balance, left in the king’s hands. If the worst came to pass and the king declared Anima’s attack against Malshan to be treason, he could make Anima serve several decades in jail, or even sentence him to death.
“Don’t worry. I’ll be fine.”
The gentle confidence in his tone helped Luina to relax.
“We’ll be waiting for you.”
Anima answered with a smile, then left for the castle with Shaer. Along the way, he turned toward her and spoke.
“I’d like to confirm something.”
“What would that be?”
“The king is the highest-ranking person in the country, right?”
“W-Well, yes, he is. Why do you ask?”
“I’m not a very formal speaker.”
Anima had never had a superior or come across anyone worthy of his respect, so he had never learned how to address others politely. He didn’t plan to break down the door and go in spells blazing, hurling insults at the king, but he was afraid that he might accidentally let something slip and offend him. His own mouth dooming the peace he desired was his worst nightmare. Luckily for him, Shaer noticed his unrest and answered with a carefree smile.
“His Majesty is a generous ruler. As long as you treat him with the respect he deserves, your crude way with words won’t summon his wrath.”
“Thank goodness.”
With the last sliver of worry gone from Anima’s mind, he and Shaer arrived at the castle. They passed through the castle gates, then walked the pristine stone road leading through a breathtaking inner garden. After that, they wound their way down a series of long corridors, finally arriving at a gigantic door with a guard on either side. The guards tightened their stances upon spotting Shaer, who signaled with her eyes for them to open the door.
The massive, heavy door slowly opened, revealing a long red carpet that led all the way to a raised platform at the end of the audience chamber. A golden throne, further decorated with shining golden ornaments, stood upon the platform. On the throne sat a man of about fifty years of age, whose gray hair and beard gave him an air of wisdom, while his refined clothes, made only from the finest silk, proved his authority. His brawny features lent truth to the rumors that he’d spent his younger years in the military, yet his eyes were mellow, like those of a saint. Just as Shaer had said, his fair but strict nature was apparent at a glance.
“Your Majesty, Lord Anima has arrived.”
Copying Shaer, Anima prostrated himself before the throne. The king nodded, acknowledging their arrival.
“Raise your heads. The long journey must have taken a lot out of you. You need not trouble yourself with formalities.”
Having received permission, Anima looked up again.
“Shaer has already informed me of your victory at the bridge,” the king said with an appreciative expression. “You have my gratitude.”
“You’re quite welcome, Your Majesty.”
Anima’s voice was audibly strained as he forced some semblance of politeness, but the king didn’t even flinch.
“Shaer’s report stated that you came out victorious without taking a single blow. Is that true?”
The king had absolute trust in his direct subordinate, Shaer, proven by his willingness to give audience to a random citizen whom she’d vouched for. However, he seemed to have doubted Anima’s strength. All in all, Anima had expected as much—to have won a battle against an opponent who had one-sidedly defeated his very best troops was questionable, so to have done so and come out unscathed should have been unheard of.
“It is.”
“Is it also true that you defeated Merkalt?”
Anima’s expression stiffened as they quickly jumped straight to the heart of the reason for the audience.
“It is, Your Majesty. And I can prove it.”
Reaching into his pocket, Anima showed the king an earring inlaid with a red gem. It was Merkalt’s Crimson Dragon stone.
“So you can. That is most certainly the earring Merkalt always wore. There is no doubt that you defeated him.”
Anima nodded again.
“Do you need proof of my strength? I could spar with one of your guards.”
Fearing that his question would be interpreted as a threat, he made sure to clarify his intentions.
“There is no need. Instead, answer me this: why is it that you lack any visible injuries? Did you also defeat Merkalt without suffering any damage?”
“It only took one hit.”
“All the more reason not to test your strength here. I can tell that you are powerful, and I’m not one to put my men in danger for entertainment.” After a short pause, the king continued. “Now, I don’t doubt the report of my loyal knight, Shaer, but it is my duty to discuss two matters with you. First, the case of Bram, the girl you took in as a daughter.”
“Bram is my daughter now. Anyone who dares to lay a finger on my family will taste hell.”