42 – I’m Coming to Meet You

To be honest, I had steeled myself.

The sheer volume of letters flooding the manor didn’t faze me; I’d anticipated something like this.

But, a tremor ran through me when I heard that even the King, who ruled this nation, desired an audience.

King Vimark.

The most powerful figure in the Kingdom of Justina.

Like my biological father, Porto, there were feudal lords with their own territories within the kingdom, yet all were merely vassals, having sworn fealty to this very King.

Even Porto, living like a king in our domain, would kneel and bow his head before this old geezer. That’s the level of influence and prestige he commanded, I understood.

I knew he had two children, born rather late in life for some reason, putting them relatively close to my own age.

Prince Troil and Princess Livian, I believe their names were, both reputed to be intelligent, inheriting the best of their sagacious father.

“Young Master. Why the sour face? A man, by virtue of his manliness, should consider maintaining composure even in the face of peril a virtue. Try smiling broadly, like this.”

Dalphy prodded his own lips upwards with a forefinger.

He’d just been stuttering like a broken clock himself, yet as soon as Art vanished, he was pretending to be calm, offering instruction. It was infuriating and audacious.

“Come hither, you!”

“Eeeek!”

After delivering another well-deserved lesson to Dalphy’s ribs, I sighed softly.

‘I suppose I have to meet him.’

The royal edict stated, in no uncertain terms, “Should you fail to present yourself before me, I shall take it upon myself to visit *you*.”

Art, along with a carriage driver, was awaiting me at the main gate of the manor.

My departure for the capital was already a settled matter.

Memories of being exploited at my previous life’s black company resurfaced.

How many nights had I spent toiling away at the office? Every time I tried to quit, my boss would use performance bonuses and promotions as bait to keep me trapped. I suddenly thought of him.

Just what sort of things would I hear once I arrived?

What if, upon leaving the royal palace, they demanded I work for the royal family?

If this were South Korea, I could decline with relative ease, but a king’s words carried an entirely different weight.

Could I refuse successfully…?

No. I mustn’t act like a weakling.

I had to refuse, whatever it took.

I had no desire to end up like Zhuge Liang, worked to death under Yoo-Bee for my entire life.

This time, I’d live a long and peaceful life, and die in comfort.

Only an easy ride mattered to me.

I grabbed my map.

“Dalpi.”

“Yes, young master.”

“Look after my sister for me, in the manor. Contact me through the crystal ball if anything happens.”

“Will you be alright alone, young master? Wouldn’t it be better if I came with you?”

I shook my head.

“You remember what happened. Just in case, I’m asking you.”

Even though Ian was there, I felt uneasy leaving Haniel alone.

“Understood.”

“Don’t worry about me. After all…”

I gazed out the window.

There were four figures, seemingly Art and knights, standing by the manor’s main gate.

Oscar, that gentleman who’d visited the manor before, was there too.

“Indeed, there’s no need to worry.”

“Right?”

“But what are those people doing in front of the Hell Tank?”

Since returning to the manor, I’d parked the Hell Tank in front of the main gate, and they seemed quite fascinated, stroking and tapping its armor.

“The Tank is irresistible, I suppose.”

Not long ago, we’d caught Jeper lurking underneath the tank.

When asked why, he’d claimed he was cleaning it, a flimsy excuse I’d pretended to accept and let slide.

I was planning to visit the capital anyway, to scout out a new place to live.

After entrusting Dalpi with my sister and the Hell Tank in my absence, I started off.

“So, from this massive and imposing rod comes a terrifying torrent of hellfire.”

“And the small rod attached to the side can fire magic bullets and rotate, allowing for all-directional bombardment, I understand.”

The knights, who were assessing the Hell Tank, greeted me respectfully as soon as I approached.

Oscar stepped forward, extending his hand.

“It’s been a while, Lord Esther.”

“It has.”

I shook his hand briefly.

“Truly. You’re the only one who manages to achieve such significant accomplishments in such a short span. What would have become of the Yustina Kingdom without one Esther Tristi? Ha ha ha.”

It’s not as if I *wanted* to accomplish such great deeds, ha ha ha.

Oscar’s respectful gaze made me incredibly uncomfortable.

“Actually, Lord Esther, there’s something I wished to ask…”

He inquired cautiously.

“Speak freely.”

“The thing is, I’ve heard you are well-versed not only in magic, but also in Kwon-sul. As a martial artist, I’m consumed with curiosity as to the type of school your Kwon-sul belongs to; I can’t sleep for wanting to know…”

Now, how in the world did he find out about *that*?

“Let’s talk as we go.”

“Ah, yes.”

I felt a cold sweat trickle down my spine as I quietly boarded the carriage.

*

Of course, there have been times in my life when I envied popular people.

Those on TV always seem so glamorous.

During my carefree school days, I even dreamed of being a singer or an actor.

Doesn’t everyone, at least once, yearn for the life of a celebrity, with crowds swarming wherever they go in the bustling city?

I always thought it would feel like being the protagonist of this world.

“Lord Esther Tristi, I have a question for you! I’m Drae, a reporter from Torifua Magic Weekly! According to the Azure Magic Tower, you predicted a different extreme period in the eastern part of the kingdom! Would you be available for an interview?”

It wasn’t.

I think I know now why politicians appear in the news in wheelchairs instead of fancy cars.

The moment I returned to the Rogness royal territory, I was met with a barrage of greetings.

It was truly overwhelming.

“We hear that the new weapon developed by Princess Haniel Tristi has been a resounding success! Did Lord Esther Tristi perhaps provide any assistance in the design process?”

“I’m Andrian! Everyone is eager to hear the story of Lord Esther Tristi, the youngest ever to receive a title and medal! Could you spare a moment?”

The royal territory was teeming with people who looked like reporters from news agencies, holding pens and notebooks, eager to interview me.

“What is it, what’s going on…?”

“Has some famous theater troupe arrived, or what…?”

As a crowd began to form, people flocked in.

Befitting the kingdom’s most populous city, the sheer numbers were staggering.

“Make way, please! Sir Esther Tristi has urgent business.”

“He is on his way to an audience with His Majesty the King! Clear the path!!”

The knights escorting me began to carve a path, shielding me from the throng.

Now I understood why His Majesty had assigned knights as guards.

It wasn’t the outside that was dangerous, but the inside.

“Really….”

I uttered, a touch of disbelief in my voice, and Art replied with practiced patience.

“Forgive us. It seems word has spread that His Majesty has summoned you to the capital, sir. Bear with it a little longer.”

In the end, it wasn’t I who suffered, but the knights.

Thanks to their efforts, we broke free from the crowd, and I could finally catch my breath.

“Thank you for your hard work. And I apologize. Next time, I will guide you through less crowded streets.”

“Not at all. The knights are the ones who worked harder.”

In Oscar’s right arm was a bundle of papers – the supposed secret text, the elementary kickboxing guide I’d hastily cobbled together in the carriage.

A masterpiece brought to life with the power of Nob AI, even including illustrations.

Ah, yes, everyone was quite surprised to see how well I could draw.

Of course, the AI was good at drawing.

Back in the original world, Nob AI was quite skilled at producing… well, let’s just say adult art.

『…….』

『…….』

Nob AI, why so bashful?

Erotic art is not something to be ashamed of, but a work of art in itself.

Stand tall. You are the greatest artist in this world.

『I will proudly embrace it from today onward….』

『( 灬´ ˘ `灬 )』

Anyway.

– The First Prince is also deeply interested in the martial arts you have shown. Would you be willing to share even a little of your know-how?

To reiterate, it was written at Oscar’s earnest request.

I have no idea where he intends to use it, but I was bored in the carriage and just went with it.

And, I learned while drawing, that the retired soldier Edward Henry, who had visited the manor some time ago, had apparently recorded Kenneth and I fighting with a recording modification device.

That must be how it spread to these people.

“We have arrived.”

Lost in thought for a moment, I slowly raised my head.

The magnificent gates of the royal palace loomed.

Perhaps my destiny would be decided here, at this very place.

I swallowed a silent groan.

Your Majesty, I come to meet you now.