Chapter 231 : King of the Dragon King's Kingdom.

After my meeting with Randolph I went back to the Embassy at once.

And thus, once again, we decided to do formalities for the audience with the present King.

I am currently assessed as the Dragon God's subordinate, Ariel's friend, Randolf's friend and Benedict's friend in the Kingdom of the Dragon King(KDK).

Whether they will allow an audience with the King of a large country or not.

I expected it to be a difficult line but unexpectedly we easily got permission for audience.

"Rudeus-dono has been quite popular here recently so it's obvious."

Or so someone at the Embassy said that.

I don't have any personal experience but certainly the number of unknown people that are aware of my name are numerous.

I want you to forgive me that I became so popular that it's becoming difficult to move,

but it's a merit in itself that I was able to manage a smooth audience in a place like this.

Let that be sufficient for now.

"It's obvious if it's Rudeus."

"No, elder sister Eris, if it's the King of one of the best countries then you can't just meet someone like that. You have to rely on someone if it's that."

"As expected of Rudeus!"

Eris is the same as usual.

---

Several days later, I made my attendance in the castle and turned up at the audience room of the Dragon King's castle.

Although I am not boasting but I am a little fussy regarding audience rooms.

Asura Kingdom, Shirone Kingdom, Kishirika Castle....be it be an audience room of any castle some kind of intrusion always happens.

The audience room is made out of vanity.

It has a vast space with magnificent ornaments and sometimes knights wearing silver armor standing in a line can be seen, (TLN: in the line 時にはギンギラギンの甲冑を着た騎士を並べ, I don't know what ギンギラギン means but I guess it's somewhat closer to silver clothing so I'll just leave it at that.)

a place where people show off their power to each other by talking about how great their country is or how awesome their king is.

That is the audience room.

Asura Kingdom is a magnificent place with it's spaciousness and splendor.

The audience room of Asura Kingdom is spacious with numerous people and gives off a dazzling impression.

It's probably because it's time for Ariel's Coronation that the castle is always in a state of decoration.

Vastness, personnel, condition of expenses, throne, the beauty of the person sitting on the throne.

Any of those things are of first-class quality.

But, I'll say it clearly.

Asura Kingdom's audience room was certainly wonderful.

However, it ranks second in the world.

It's not only just the audience room.

I'm distributing my disposition over the regular route until one reaches the audience room.

Outside the castle, despite a garden of excellent quality and lined up articles of fine arts that are a delight to visitor's eyes I didn't meet anyone along the way.

A corridor that continues to be peaceful without a noise.

With a forceful lift in tension the visitor feels a solemn atmosphere.

And the gigantic doors that lead towards the audience room.

The room that can't even be flattered upon it's splendor is waiting before it's open.

With the minimum necessity for it, the decoration is simple.

Furthermore, 12 knights are lined up in front of the throne.

Everyone of them are wearing masks and throwing an overpowering intimidation by not revealing their identities which in itself feels plain.

All of these are measures to give more attention to the throne.

The one sitting on the throne is the only person not wearing a mask.

That overwhelming feeling of a subtle and elegant existence.....just who would make light of such a mood.

Where is it?

Why hide it? It's the Sky Fortress [Chaos Breaker].

1st in rank is the Dragon King Pergius.

I didn't notice it before but all of those came from production.

It won't be an exaggeration to say that Pergius' taste is the best in the world.

"Oh!"

It was me who gave out a voice of astonishment while observing the audience room of the KDK.

This country's audience room slightly differed from that of Asura's or Chaos Breaker's.

It was a little rough at best.

First of all, there were gigantic armor and helmet standing at the entrance of the audience room that looked like two gatekeepers. (TLN: 甲冑[katchuu](armor and helmet). Don't know and can't find a more appropriate TL. Pic related if confused http://a.pomf.se/mbswbx.jpg)

Those might be more or less 3 meters.

They're size might be identical to that of the Magic Armor; just like the statue of the fierce guardian gods they looked down imposingly at the people who come to the audience room. (TLN: 金剛力士[kongourikishi]=fierce guardian god)

There isn't any Giant tribe in this world.

There might be a gargantuan race that I am not aware of.

At least there is no one who can wear this armor in the KDK.

Which means these armors are here to instill fear in the people who come here.

And then when you enter inside, there are armors in front of your eyes.

From the vicinity of the entrance to the throne, there are empty armors and helmets standing in line surrounding the audience room in a circle.

And thus, aside from the carpet of gold thread that continues on towards the throne, the armor and helmet inside is standing as if to protect the King.

It is the iron throne with a dark grey color that they protect.

A cushion is nailed into the metallic throne as if the armor was made into a chair.

The level of comfort looks really poor.

There aren't much decorations.

It's more or less decorated with a mark of an allied country or something like the crest of the Knight Party but that's just it.

An unrefined stone wall with silver armor and helmets.

'Well, isn't it fine to just line up something this powerful', a suitable feeling like that.

Despite this overpowering feeling of a great number of people standing by and watching me.

.......Since I cannot recommend it to all the people, the evaluation should be four stars.

"The 33rd Generation King of the Kingdom of the Dragon King, His Majesty 'Stelvio von King Dragon' is now present!"

While I was thinking about it, His Majesty the King's introduction ended.

With my face down as it is I fell to one of my knees and waited for the next words.

"Raise thy head, what is thy name?"

"I am 『Dragon God Orsted's』 subordinate, Rudeus Greyrat, it's my first time meeting you. Your Majesty looks in good humor."

Sitting on the throne of that audience room was an ordinary man.

With dull blond hair that doesn't really match with the crown.

His age might be around 40 years.

He looks like Ariel's older brother in terms of his mood.

Prince Gravel the First.(TLN : Not sure グラーヴェル)

"So it's you, defeating that Water God Reida, that one person who stopped the army invading Shirone alone, the so called Rudeus Greyrat?"

The rumors are again getting embellished by mistake.

It won't be long before I end up being a merman. (TLN : The TL is right but don't know about the reference. そろそろ、半魚人になってしまいそうだ。)

"No, Water God Reida was dealt with by my master and we were successfully able to stop the army with not just me but by my teacher's help and also together with the army troops stationed at the Karon Fortress."

"What an honest person."

I can't feel the dignity of a King.

Is it because I just met him or is it because I've seen so many people overflowing with dignity.

"However, Water God Reida and North Emperor Auber are dead, I'm positive that those things have not changed."

"Yes, I cannot deny that."

"Our Country respects true strength rather than social status. We intend to evaluate those highly who leave behind actual results all the while they are in similar cases of such opposition."

"I'll hold onto those thankful words."

Uh-oh, that is an unexpectedly good feeling.

I generally expect to be looked down upon but......

As I thought, it's thanks to my treading on steps.

It might be because of the power of the clothes borrowed from the embassy.

"The opportunity to listen to a story from a person like thou is rare.....but, adversely a person like thou does not need to appear without any business in front of I."

"That is......"

"Oh, wait, don't say it, let me guess."

The King stopped me from talking by pushing out the palm of his hand in front of me and gently brushed his chin.

It was a neat and well prepared beard.

Come to thing of it there many people in my country who grow out there beards.

There are many shavers in Asura......it might be their culture.

"First of all, it's not some government service.

Thou should have friendship with the Queen Ariel of Asura.

Which means, other than our country if thou went to Asura as well it's profitable. It's because thou should also be able to have a title of nobility as well as government service.

How is it?"

".....It's as you have said."

The King stared even more fixedly at me.

And then he continued while smiling with a broad grin.

"I must provide convenience to someone like thou to come to this country......well then.....

Oh, that's right.

Come to think of it, there was a strange rumor floating around the streets.....

Shagal, what kind of rumor was it?"

On the King's words, one of the Knights that was standing on his side quickly lowered his head.

His face gave off an air of delinquency, if you look at him he's wearing the same armor as Randolf, similar to Knight Party's.....

Ah, no wait, Shagal?

He's a person who has been properly investigated.

"Rudeus Greyrat is calling out to each and every nation to prepare for Laplace's revival that is 80 years from now, or that's how it's called."

Commander-in-Chief Shagal Galgantis. (TLN : Needs some discussion over this. シャガール・ガルガンティス)

KDK's 『First Commander』.

A quarter-blooded long-eared race, his rough speech stands out but he's an able person with his sharp conduct.

Or so I heard but his ears are short and his usage of words is also polite. Is it because he's in front of the King?

"Oh, that's it."

Even Milis' Pope knew about it but as expected you can't make light of a large country's intelligence network.

"And aside the consistency in the call out,

thou put thy organization in each nation and perform business by use of those organizations.....am I wrong?"

"No, you're not."

He's not wrong but......

Even so it feels like the conversation is going towards the wrong direction.

"And thus, just like every other nation, thou have come to me to ask for permission to cooperate......isn't that right?"

The King has a satisfied look on his face.

Well, yeah.

I had that intention if not for Gisu's matter.

But this time it's a little different.......

Still, if I deny what he said it might result in a bad mood after saying such those words with such satisfaction.

It's not like I'm uninterested but.

"Special permission is necessary for doing something so selfish. I don't dislike that attitude of thine."

The King continues to talk with a good mood.

He might have been looking forward to my arrival after obtaining the news about my movements.....

No, that can't be.

"However, it also affects what's called prestige of this country when I permit something immediately when demanded.

It will be troublesome when foolish crowds of people descend down upon us after hearing that the King will grant anything if requested."

".........."

"Therefore, that one condition............what is it?"

The King made a puzzled expression when I silently raised my hand up.

We're starting to lose the sight of conversation little by little.

This fellow can't be dealt with properly.

"I apologize for interrupting, Your Majesty. Though what you say isn't wrong but what I came for today is because of a slightly different matter."

"......Hoh."

I'll tell him about the previous matter.

"It's regarding Benedict-sama's child."

King's expression changed.

The worn atmosphere too.

"According to what I heard from my friend Randolf, it looks like Benedict-sama's child........Pax-sama is a burden to deal with, so there is some kind of movement going on right now regarding his disposal or so I've heard."

"What about it?"

The King didn't imitate timidness and overbearingly spoke out.

"Now that she has become a mother there is no use for her as a political maneuver. At any rate, there is no need to let a person live who would become a hindrance sooner rather than later in this country."

"What about Randolf-dono? If you kill that person Randolf-dono would immediately run away."

"Kingdom of the Dragon King is not a lesser country which can be easily influenced by one of the Major World Powers."

Well, it's only right.

There will be no reason to go with the matter of killing Little Pax otherwise.

"In other words, the reason you came here was to appeal to spare that child's life?"

"......No."

I said that while looking directly at the King.

"I thought whether I can accept it or not if it's something that is not necessary rather than sparring life."

"Ha."

The King responded with a nose laugh and turned his sight to the Knight Shagal on his side.

"Did you hear that, Shagal?"

"Certainly, with these ears."

The King stamped his feet with a 'don' and bent his posture forward.

Putting his elbow on top of his knee he stared at me as if glaring.

His attitude is different from before.

This might be this King's true nature.

"Then I shalt ask. Rudues Greyrat, what kind of mutual benefit will that proposal have?"

However, there is no need to panic.

No need to feel nervous.

Pergius' way consisted of dignity.

"Well then, let me gladly serve my story."

All of the internal conditions of this country are within our company's control.

The President knows everything.

What would become of the result because of my movements and things like that.

"First of all, after the death of the former king, the vassal states of the KDK are being attacked by at least three countries. From the country of Strife Zone in the North."

"......."

"Even you say it's under control, a vassal state can't become that if not for support.

The KDK has suffered a serious wound in the middle of this disorder that is war, yet even now you are coping with your absolute extent."

"What.......about it?"

"I can bring a stop to it all."

Since it's Ariel who is stirring up that war anyway.

Given that they force the sale of weapons on them by agitating the country's that can't help it but attack the KDK.

Asura Kingdom is rich and I am much obliged to them as well.

But, money doesn't grow on trees.

That is why they occasionally do dirty work.

Well, even if Asura Kingdom stops doing something like that, they produce vast amounts of gold.

That is why, if I had to say then there is a stronger meaning behind KDK's harassment.

If I tell her to stop she would stop. Probably. No, surely.

"After that, Your Majesty. Since the King's death came to pass, a loan was borrowed from the Milis church in a hurry because a large sum of money was necessary, right?"

"........"

"Currently, although the loan itself was payed back you ended up permitting Temple Knight Party's sojourn in the domestic.

With the Temple Knight Party forcibly inducing there religion in the domestic, little problems are slowly but surely staring to rise."

"And you can stop that?"

"I can stop it."

If a little bit of loan is still left I can't interfere though.

But, if there isn't, I can't let the harassment of KDK by Milis Kingdom to pass through.

If I give a call to the Pope or the Miko, the Temple Knight Party would immediately return back to their country.

I might end up loaning to Ariel or the Pope but it's no problem.

It's an advantage to have connections at a time like this.

We'll consider about the demand when the time comes.

"Furthermore, in the case a problem arises between Pax and the Shirone Kingdom, let me take responsibility and face the full brunt of it."

In that case I should take Zanoba along.

With Zanoba and Randolf, that's three people.

It will take the form of Pax's battle of revenge.

"How about that?"

I'll give 3 marks to my presentation in outline.

It must be satisfactory to make the best use of the troublemaker as an advantage.

"......."

But I can't outstrip the King's expression.

He's glaring at me with a scary face.

Was something insufficient?

"I think that is sufficient."

The one who send out the lifeboat was none other that the Knight Shagal.

"Rudeus-dono can speak for both the Asura Kingdom and Holy Kingdom of Milis.

He has authenticity.

Rudeus-dono's proposal won't work as a big plus for us since we already had a countermeasures plan for our country but......according to the inquiries on the streets it looks like Rudeus-dono has a firm grip on Queen Ariel's and Milis' Miko's weaknesses.

It will be a plus to have a connection with the well-known Rudeus-dono.

The form it will presently take to cover up the big minus with the small minus, therefore the plus will---"

"Shagal, be silent for while."

Shagal shut his mouth in a hurry on the King's peaceful words.

"I understand about the advantage being there."

Then, just what are you dissatisfied with.

"But, I can't make light of this man's attitude.

It's like we're playing right into his hands."

Ah, I should have deprecated myself and praised him more.

I might have gone a little bit too far.

It's difficult to adjust such a thing.

"I didn't mean to say to accept it if it isn't agreeable.

Treatment of Benedict's child should be done by the parliament itself.

Like hell I would change that decision on one person's suggestion that suddenly arrived."

"That is why Your Majesty, doesn't it explain itself that the Parliament is the last resort?

Would you bequeath the mayhem to sprout in the future or lose the 『Death God』 sooner?

I'm in favor of the former by the parliament but if there is a better choice to choose from then there isn't anything strange about that."

"That's not it. That's not it at all.

I'm just worried over how to protect the dignity of the KDK's history.

If it is known that I perform indecisive politics as soon as I became the new King,

it will affect the loyalty of the future subjects."

The King is worried about his honor.

Looking at Shagal he looks like a supporter.

However, it doesn't look like they have any dignity left now that they have unfolded such a conversation in front of me.

"Hmmm......"

Well, it's fine to just decide at your own pace while bearing in mind that there aren't any personnel here.

With people like the Prime Minister; at your own pace.

It's understandable that it is not a bad story if properly talked with.

On top of that, even if it's declined I have already prepared my next move.

All of the personal information of the leader of this country is already obtained and arranged.

People liked, people not liked, weaknesses, if I remove the obstacles while making use of all of those, it might be possible to change his opinion.

Since they will likely pull back later so I don't want to do that much.

".......Kirk, what do you think?"

The King called out to the young man sitting a little far out.

His age is around similar to mine.

With blond hair just like the King and a slight beard.

I have examined him as well.

Kirkland Von King Dragon. (TLN : カークランド・フォン・キングドラゴン。)

Currently the first Prince and next in line to become King.

Extraordinarily smart and excels at political abilities.

But, a pitiable future awaits him.

The future called unrequited love.

Currently, he has fallen in love.

He went to the Asura Kingdom's Crowning ceremony as an ambassador and fell in love with Ariel at first sight.

Afterwards he comes to Asura Kingdom countless times and confesses until he becomes 25 years old. An honorable defeat.

Whether Ariel cruelly rejected him or not, thereafter Kirk floats the flag of Anti-Asura.

"I think we should take that proposal."

Although he has not yet been rejected.

As of now he expresses his friendship with the Asura Kingdom.

"Until the Strife Zone is suppressed, not letting the public know that we have a hostile relationship with Asura Kingdom has always been my opinion.

I'm well aware about the friendship between Queen Ariel and Rudeus-dono.

We should consider accepting Rudeus-dono's proposal and also include the link of cooperative relationship with Dragon God Orsted,

on the grounds that it will become hard for Asura Kingdom to interfere just like now.

Above all, I advise that the following should be done for the sake of our country."

An aura of an able person is floating from the one who clearly said all of that.

There's a huge difference between us.

About half of that speech might have an ulterior motive regarding Ariel.

It might be because he's an able person that I can't even feel an atom of guilt in him.

Probably the personality of a handsome-man(read:ikemen).

"Hmmm...."

The King looked up at the ceiling after hearing those words.

As if the answer is written there.

"Alright........then, let's accept that."

The King said with a sigh and returned his gaze to me.

That reply might have already appeared within him. He just couldn't consent to it in the middle of that expression.

"Thank you very much."

In accordance with the manners I bowed my head.

But suddenly heard a voice from above.

"Tis fine, raise thy head."

The presence of a King changed again.

I raised my head after he asked me only to see a bitter smile on his face.

There is no dignity here, it's just a bitter smile of a tired person.

"The Kingdom of the Dragon King is currently in this state.

This situation of disorder is continuing because of an indecisive King with no dignity.

I apologize to you who is staring at 80 years later and preparing accordingly,

I might be able to provide cooperation of little significance."

".......Well."

Ah, so this is it.

This is the true nature of this country's King.

I recall Orsted's information while discerning that.

King Dragon King Stelvio's time of reign is short. (TLN: 王竜王ステルヴィオ. Here Dragon King is the title given to him for his magic power(probably)and King is because he's the king. So that's why calling him King with his title intact.....Yeah, I know I fucked up, it can't be helped.)

After 10 more years he comes down with a sever disease and transfers the throne to his son.

After Kirk becomes the King, KDK shows a terrifying display of progress.

The real KDK starts from there......Stelvio is only a character who connects that.

Therefore, I didn't consider much about this character.

But, why is it?

I have now become interested in this country's King out of importance for Shagal and Kirk.(Not sure. 今、俺は、重要人物であるシャガールやカークより、この王の事が気になっている。)

I ended up being pleased with just a little bit of conversational exchange.

"I have a fondness for such things."

He sits on that throne surrounded by armors.

He must properly do his role as a King without any talent.

However, he was likely never corrupted while helping his surroundings he lived to the utmost as a king. No, it is likely he lives.

While at least acting as a King.

"Hahaha, fondness. You are an impolite fellow. Rudeus Greyrat."

"Please excuse me for that."

He is undoubtedly a person who can't leave anything in history.

It's not like he would gain some kind of great benefit even if he associates himself.

But I want to get along with him as long as he lives.

I thought that genuinely.

---

Thus we were able to save Little Pax's life.

Benedict was released from her everyday fear and Randolf was greatly delighted.

It will also be a congratulatory matter that the KDK won't lose Randolf.

I also took this opportunity to fulfill my first goal of "Putting Gisu on the wanted list" and took a breath of relief.

I'll look upon the matter of Mercenary Group's establishment sometime later, it should be fine if I take that matter during that King's reign.

From now on, we are on cordial terms with KDK.

It would have been excellent if not for this match pump....

I will be loaning Ariel and Pope this time around but I'll pay it back eventually.

We don't know what would become of this one case of Little Pax in the future. When that time comes, I will settle that matter again along with Zanoba.

"Well, you saved me. At this rate I would have taken my master and was about to destroy KDK."

Randolf said that with a clattering laugh while we were parting.

This man might or might not have that power in actuality but he certainly has the resolution.

Whether to let the soldiers die fighting with Randolf.

Or let the dispute with Shirone Kingdom rise in the future.

Why choose the former? Isn't that foolish?

I might be thinking like that because I tasted Randolf's strength in person.

"However, if His Majesty the King has been satisfied with this then the things that I'm capable of doing are lost as well. That is not good."

He's trying to say that he has no intention of leaving Benedict's side to the bitter end.

Well, it should be good if the case is that.

"Is Rudeus-dono acquainted with the Demon Emperor Kishirika Kishirisu?"

".....Yeah, I've met her at least twice."

"If you're searching for a person then I recommend searching for her first."

I see.

There was Kishirika as well.

Roxy said that she used her powers to find Zenith.

The one who gave me the demon eye of clairvoyance.

If we ask her she will definitely tell us about Gisu's whereabouts in an instant.......though I won't be able to reach there immediately but it should considerably narrow down the possibility.

Why didn't I think of that before?

Well, I don't really know whether she is an existence who can be relied on much.

"I don't know what she will demand as compensation but if you take this ring and say it's 『Randolf's wish』, she should be somewhat able to listen to an unreasonable request."

"Oh!...."

So it's not necessary to treat her to food.

"I understand. Well then I'll be accepting this."

For one thing I received a white ring from Randolf.

It's probably made out of some kind of bone.

An ominous item. It seems to be cursed but......it's a profitable equipment.

"Well then, Rudeus-dono, I pray for your good luck."

"Be in good health as well Randolf-san."

And thus we left behind the Kingdom of the Dragon King.

Next is Demon Continent.