Side Story - Side Braver, Two
──I was inside the audience chamber.
The royal castle was truly an impressive place where the ruler of a whole country resided.
It was a massive building that could be seen even from the edge of the town. And once you stepped inside, it was filled with magnificent and extravagant decorations. There were paintings and artworks that I had never seen before, placed here and there. Walking through it felt like being a curious cat who come to someone else's home.
I was led to the place where I would meet the king.
Of course, I wasn't the only one present in this room. Pain-san and several other members from the Church were also accompanying me.
I had no idea about the proper etiquette and manners when dealing with nobles, so I followed Pain-san's lead and kneeled before the throne, patiently waiting for the person who was supposed to arrive.
Suddenly, a memory from just a few hours ago flashed through my mind. It was the moment when Yukina jumped off the carriage as soon as we arrived at the royal capital.
"Good grief, your friend is really a troublemaker, isn't he?"
"Hahaha..."
Yukina quickly closed the door that was left wide open and Pain-san scolded with a sigh. I could only awkwardly smile and try to play it off.
During the conversation on the way to the royal capital about being the 'companion of Brave,' I had a feeling that it was just an afterthought for Yukina. But I didn't expect him to go off on his own so easily. I had thought for sure he would come with me to meet the king.
For villagers── the common people—the royalty are like beings from the clouds. They might see them from afar, but meeting them up close might happen only once in a lifetime.
Even though it's a valuable experience for everyone else, it seemed like Yukina wasn't very interested.
Come to think of it, Yukina seemed to have occasional conversations with people from the Church. Maybe it's related to why he came to the royal capital. It might be a good idea to ask the person he talked to if I get the chance.
"What should we do with him? It's not easy to find him once he's lost in the crowd...
"But there's no other way. I'll go to meet the king without Yukina."
If I'm being honest, I really wanted Yukina to come with me all the way to meet the king. I wanted him to see the sight of the highest-ranking person ruling this country recognizing me as a Brave.
But, Yukina is really independent, and on the flip side, he hates having his own pace disrupted more than anything. I could see that he would stubbornly resist if I tried to force him to come along.
"...Is that alright?"
"It's okay. The people from the Church are all good people. As long as you're here, it's reassuring even living in the royal capital."
"For Brave-sama to say that, we from the Church are deeply moved."
I understood on the way to the royal capital that the people from the Church are all good people. Even though I was chosen as the Brave, they treated me kindly as just a young person from the countryside. If they were there, I felt like I wouldn't feel so lonely even without Yukina.
"The king has arrived. Everyone, please be respectful."
The castle's servant announced the king's visit, and my attention was brought back to the present.
As we bowed our heads and waited for that moment, a man with strong armor appeared, accompanied by soldiers.
Perhaps, the person walking at the front is the one we have been waiting for.
With his face hidden, I could only see the ground beneath his feet. Yet, as soon as he appeared, the air in the audience chamber seemed to tighten. Even the expressions of the people from the Church seemed tense, with their faces turned downward.
"Members of the Church, you have done well. Everyone, raise your heads."
Permission was given, and we lifted our faces.
This was the first time I had seen him, but there was no doubt. He was King Bernst, the ruler of this country.
Though adorned in decorative attire, his strong physique could be perceived beneath. His imposing presence was undoubtedly the proof of his authority over this nation.
Pain-san opened his mouth.
"Your Majesty, thank you very much for taking the time."
"Good. It is an important matter for our country, Arcus, and for the world as a whole. It is only natural to dedicate time to it."
Then, King Bernst's gaze pierced through me. My spine trembled under the sharp gaze of the king.
"So, you are the Brave?"
"Yes, Your Majesty... M-My name is Relix."
Even though I knew I had to act properly, my heart was pounding so intensely that my words were unsteady. It felt like my mind was gradually turning blank.
Seeing my obvious distress, Pain-san came to my rescue.
"Your Majesty, Brave-sama was just an ordinary villager who knew nothing until recently. Please forgive any rudeness."
"I understand that much. I have no intention of demanding meticulous etiquette from someone destined to save the world. If anything, it is I who should kneel, considering my position."
Fate to Save the World── I was taken aback when I heard the words of the king.
I will have to fight against the 'Demon King' who will eventually become a threat to the world. Even though it's just the king of a country, I can't accomplish such a great task by just trembling in fear.
"Because I am in the position of a king, I cannot easily bow down to others. But, II am also aware that this may be rude, but I will ask."
As I heard the words of the king, my body's trembling gradually subsided.
"According to the legends, the Demon King possesses an incredibly powerful force. If left unchecked, it could lead the world to destruction."
I clenched my fist with determination.
"─Brave Relix. Do you have the resolve to confront the Demon King?"
To that question, the trembling had stopped without me realizing it.
Naturally, my mouth opened.
"...If that is my fate."
I have been chosen by the God. Therefore, I must defeat the Demon King according to that destiny. I can't keep indulging in the feelings of a villager forever.
The king nodded at my determination.
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