Grandeur Fantasia

Chapter 61.1 ~ Audience with the King (2)

AN: Hey guys! Back with another chapter update XD This week's chapter will be divided into two parts and updated today and Wednesday! I think I'm going to stick to this updating schedule for now since there are a lot of people who messaged me asking "Why are you not updating?" or "When will you update?" XD. At least with this updating schedule, I'll be updating more often and let you know that I'm still alive~~~ 

Anyway! On to the scheduled program!!!

If the dagger binds Leon to the country and made him a political chip or a soldier in their wars, then it was something Leon wanted to avoid as much as possible.

Leon went silent for a moment, contemplating what he should do. The princess already said that he was worthy so he could not say otherwise. The king had also spell out his achievements and the fact that he has the rare light element was already known. There was no way out except brute force.

However, before he could speak, the King spoke.

"It seems you are still unsure Leon. However, I assure you that the dagger will not harm you in any way."

The king looked over to the people behind Leon and asked.

"Umu. Are the people named Mia and Rafael present?"

Mia and Rafael?

Leon slightly turned his head back and saw both of their surprised face.

"Y-Yes, your majesty. My name is Mia Risellte."

"I-I am Rafael Disium, your majesty."

"I see. It is nice to meet you, disciples of Laura Vany."

Leon didn't know who Laura Vany was. However, he knew that Mia and Rafael had a teacher who taught them what they know regarding magic and sword. Was she the person they were referring too?

"Y-Your majesty knows of our teacher?"

"Of course. She and I had long been acquainted. Ever since I was a prince."

Leon looked at Yves to confirm the king's words and it seems it was all true since Yves smiled at him and nodded slightly.

"How is she doing?"

"A-Ah, yes! She has been doing very fine, your majesty."

Mia answered with a shaky voice out of nervousness of talking with a monarch for the first time.

"Hahaha. I would expect as much, knowing how energetic Laura is."

Mia and Rafael smiled wryly at the king's word.

"She is the one I gave my royal dagger to and earn the title of Earl. But as you can see, she is still free as ever."

"I-Is that true?!"

Not only Mia and Rafael, but Leon and the others were also very surprised.

"Yes. She saved me when I was attacked by a monster during my travel. Since then, I've become acquainted with her and became close friends. How very nostalgic."

The king closed his eyes, as if trying to imagine the nostalgic scene.

The king doesn't seem to lie since Yves also confirmed it with a nod. Leon realised that the king was implying that the dagger will not bind him to the nation nor his free will. It was purely a sign of friendship and trust.

"Leon, this is not only a reward for saving me or defeating the behemoth. I truly wish to form a deep bond with you, not as only as a princess, but also as Aria. Will you accept it?"

...

According to him, there were most probably no demerits for receiving the Royal Dagger. Although he might get the malice of nobles who also aimed to get closer to the princess, he was already in a situation where he had to defend himself from such thing after saving the princess. He had resolved himself since then.

In addition, with the fact that Laura Vany, Mia's and Rafael's teacher, doesn't seem to be tied down by the kingdom despite having the title of a noble, most of Leon's worries were gone.

Moreover, Aria said that she truly wanted to have a deep bond with him. Everything she had said so far was true and Leon never sensed any malice or desire to exploit him from her. If anything, all Aria has shown was her sincerity and truthfulness. And it made Leon want to similarly trust her.

Thus, Leon made his decision.

"I understand. Forgive my insolence for trying to reject such a grand reward. I shall do my best in order to not bring shame to your name, Princess Aria."

"Thank you, Leon."

Aria smiled very beautifully at him just like a flower in the peak of its bloom and Leon returned it with a similarly radiant smile.

"Isn't it nice, Aria."

"Yes, dear mother!"

Aria and her mother, the queen also exchange smiles. Although a royal dagger was a big deal, Leon failed to understand why they would be that excited.

"Then let's have the ceremony for the Royal Dagger at a later date. Ah, and I will also reward everyone from the Crimson Lightning with a medallion of the royal family. Since all of you seemed to be friendly with my daughter, although not on the level of Royal Dagger, the medallion will allow you to access noble facilities and visit Aria."

"I-Is it really okay, your majesty?"

"Of course, Mia Risellte. I have heard about all of you briefly from my daughter, and I am very happy as her father to know that my daughter has made good friends. I hope all of you will get along with her from now on."

"O-Of course! Thank you very much, your majesty!"

Mia and the others bowed after receiving such reward from the king himself.

"Ms.Yves, Leon, and everyone of Crimson Lighting, there will be a banquet tonight to celebrate Aria's safe return. Of course for being the saviors of the princess, all of you will be the guest of honors. A knight shall escort you to your rooms. Please rest easy until then."

"I understand, your majesty."

Yves, Leon and the others all lowered their head slightly in acceptance concluding their audience with the king.

One of the knight who was present in during the audience escorted Leon and the others to their rooms. They went to the previous waiting room first to pick up Lux and Noir. Then they were lead to three rooms where the men would be in one and the women in the other two. However, they decided to hangout in a room until the time they had to change their outfit for the banquet.

Though half way, Freya, Vyra and Lily went to their the other room for something. And when Leon asked them, they just said

"That's something to look forward to, darling!"

"Y-Yes, please look forward to it, Leon."

"I-I shall leave your side for a while, my liege."

And left.

Leon didn't know what they were up to, but Mia seemed like she does. He tried asking her but she only replied with

"Just wait for it Leon. I'm sure Freya or Vyra will send you a telepathic message in a while."

Far from answering him, she made him even more confused. But since he couldn't do anything, he decided to just wait and see like Mia said.