Welcome to Hell! - Chapter 252: At the Royal Castle (4)

[Being in the service of a country… many would dislike that. Honestly, I can’t trust it either.]

[Do you think so too?]

After leaving King Carl’s 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.

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 don’t want an answer like that. As for me, I think it’s too early to judge whether to accept the offer or not.]

[Why not! We can’t let such a good opportunity pass!]

Bolts, who was usually indifferent to everything, unexpectedly burst in with a telepathic shout, cutting off Mika’s 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 you’re willing to just throw that away? Are you all idiots?!]

[Watch your words, Bolts. Calm down.]

[Hmph…]

Zald’s 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, I’m 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 Rinne’s 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… it’s complicated. But I think it’s better if we accept the offer.]

This was unexpected. I had assumed Chirik would simply say that he would follow his teacher’s 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.

[Why do you feel that way?]

[I’ve been a refugee as long as I can remember, always dreaming of living within the city walls… So, the prospect of securing a safe position truly fills me with joy.]

[But you said it’s complicated?]

[Yes, teacher. Surprisingly, I find myself strongly desiring to continue our adventures together. Big brother Magna and the others feel the same. We understand that even more difficult journeys lie ahead. Yet…]

[It seems your curiosity can’t be tamed?]

In response to my question, Chirik nodded shyly. The idea of adventure… That kind of thinking really opened my eyes. Perhaps there were many others who thought the same way. It seemed necessary to confirm the intentions of my comrades.

When I gathered the opinions of everyone present, it became clear that, logically, accepting an official position was the only choice. However, there were those among us who were reluctant on an emotional level, and some were excited by the prospect of venturing into the southern parts of the continent. It appeared that the decision could not be made by me alone.

“Excuse me.”

As I pondered over what should be done, several knights, including Crus, arrived at our room. There was a grim look on his face, making it evident that a problem had arisen. It was time to hear from him just how troublesome this matter was for us.

“You look quite troubled. What’s happened?”

“I’m sorry for the sudden news. Some individuals, upon hearing that His Majesty wishes to take you under his wing, are insisting that you demonstrate your abilities.”

“That means…”

“You’ll have to fight.”

I was probably wearing a grimace as severe as Crus’s. At the same time, I could feel the attraction and desire to serve King Karl rapidly diminishing within me. Frankly, the whole situation was becoming ridiculous.

Had we pressed to be taken into service, it might have been a different matter, but we were the ones who had been requested. And yet, because their intentions were not unified, we were met with hostility and tested, our abilities doubted as if our own will mattered not at all.

The hostility towards us demons was the same as usual. I could understand the sentiment of those who viewed us with suspicion out of loyalty, trying to keep us away from the king they revered. However, I was disappointed in the fact that the people who thought it was natural to impose their own convenience on us were in a position where they could give their opinions to the king and that the king himself could not keep such individuals in check.

I understood the logic of it. The king could not act unilaterally and had to listen to his subjects. And that he has to prioritize the intentions of his inner circle over those of outsiders like us. I did grasp that at least in principle.

But understanding something and accepting it are two different matters. We were once slaves of the empire, but we had broken those chains to be here. I had been patient out of a sense of duty to Lieselotte and Chris, but there were limits. In fact, not just me, but everyone except for Bolts was clearly showing their anger.

“So, it has come to this… We can no longer associate with this. Please let us take our leave. Tell His Majesty that it seems there was no fate between us.”

“You dare say that!”

“The repeated disrespect, I will not forgive… Urgh?!”

I attempted to leave, but it seemed my attitude was intolerable to them. Among the knights who had arrived with Crus, two reached for the hilts of their swords. It wasn’t a threat; it looked like they were seriously intending to cut us.

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 haven’t killed anyone, nor have I assumed a battle stance. If I were serious, you would all be dead by now. The only reason I haven’t is out of respect for you.”

Crus was drenched in cold sweat as he desperately tried to pacify me. I didn’t 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 Lieselotte’s 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!”

“You…ugh!”

In response to Crus’s 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. They’ve done nothing but displease Mr. Antares and his friends.”

Overwhelmed by Crus’s 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.