Audience with the king

Captain Iseldis arrived early the next morning gathering us into the training area. She said, "Straighten up. We are about to have an audience with the King. You will now follow me to the castle.".

I glanced at Mina who looked a little sick and furious at the same time. Iseldis led us out of the academy and toward the castle. I stopped next to Mina, "Will you be okay?".

She said angrily, "I don't know if I will be able to control myself in front of him.".

I grabbed her hand and encouraged her to hold it in until this is over. After encouraging her I got in place behind Iseldis. Following closely as we neared the castle. Stopping at the gate, Iseldis informed the guards and they quickly went inside to open the gates. We walked in formation into the castle making our way to the throne room. A guard standing on either side had their polearms crossed in front of the door before one of them announced, "The Shadow Squad has arrived!".

They uncrossed their weapons before slowly opening the doors. We waited until the doors were fully opened before entering. Walking towards the King I felt a pressure pushing down on me unlike the last time I was here. Getting closer made the pressure feel even heavier. Captain Iseldis stopped a few feet before the final step up towards the throne. I stopped a couple feet behind and kneeled down. The others followed my lead and we sat still until King Atozuma said, "Raise your heads. I invited you here to compliment your achievements. The beasts your squad has defeated have never been seen before and the scholars are currently trying to name them. I will call you forward one by one and give you rewards.".

He motioned for one of his aids to come closer holding a metal tray with bags on it. He then continued, "Yukiko Usagin come forward.".

She started walking closer and stopped at the stairs. King Atozuma announced, "Under my authority I grant you the rank of Sapphire and ten gold.".

Yukiko said, "Thank you, your highness.".

He called Takino next, giving her the same reward. Fumiko was next but she was given twenty gold. Arrion received the same as Fumiko. He then called Mina. She stood at the bottom of the stairs and I could tell she was furious. The King said, "Mina Vandyke.....".

He stopped and had a horrified look on his face for a split second before continuing, "I grant you the rank of sapphire and twenty gold.".

She chillingly said, "Thank you, your highness.".

He then said, "Josento Prail, Rokuza Korizaguya, and Emelia Stone please step forward.".

After stopping he continued, "For having the biggest contribution in this mission I will be granting the three of you the rank of Emerald and thirty gold.".

We said in unison, "We thank you, your highness.".

Finally he called Iseldis, "Captain Iseldis, I hope for even more successful missions in the future.".

Iseldis answered, "I will not disappoint your highness.".

Exiting the throne room the pressure relieved and we slowly made our way out of the castle. I asked, "Anyone else need a drink?".

Everyone including Iseldis agreed to get a drink. Making our way to the tavern I heard a voice in my head saying, "How long are you gonna be gone?".

It was Helga talking which surprised me since we are a few miles away from the barracks. I answered her, "It will be a little late.".

She didn't ask anymore questions. We reached the tavern and tried to find a table big enough for all of us. Sitting in the middle of the tavern we order nine ales to start with alongside some meat. I offered a toast, "To a successful mission and whatever comes next.".

We all slammed our mugs together before chugging our ale. Drinking until most of us blacked out at the barracks was a new experience. I don't remember what happened last night but the next morning I woke to find Isledis in my bed. The only thing going through my mind was "I'm dead". I shook Iseldis, "C'mon wake up Iseldis.".

She barely opened her eyes before kissing me. I quickly pushed her back and said, "Captain, you need to get dressed and leave quickly.".

Her eyes shot open as she stared into my eyes. She quickly jumped out of the bed and got dressed and exited through my window. I'm so dead if Mina or Emelia find out about this. I used the time stop to change my sheets and clean my room. I left my room and made my way to the lounge. Opening the door Josento was the only one awake. He quickly walked over to me and told me to take us a good distance from Helga. I took us outside the city closer to Horstos woods. He said, "You are lucky I'm the only person awake right now. I walked into your room this morning finding you and Iseldis naked. I will not tell Mina but Helga might already know so before we get back you should be prepared for the girls to either hit you or give you a lecture. Mina and Emelia might kill you.".

I said, "I don't remember what happened last night. I might have mixed her up for Mina on the way back to the barracks.I don't wanna go back.".

Josento patted my back and we made our way back to the barracks. I slowly entered and walked into my room noticing Mina sitting on my bed looking like she just killed fifty people. I asked, "How are you feeling?".

She glared at me and said, "I'm fine but more importantly, Helga told me something this morning. She said that you and the captain went into the same room last night and never came back out.".

I tried to think of something to say but I just told her the truth, "I don't remember what happened last night. I think I slept with Iseldis last night. I woke up beside her this morning and tried to wake her. She kissed me and realized what happened and got dressed and left.".

Mina shot up from the bed and punched me through the door. She rushed off crying. Arrion heard the commotion and rushed to my side and asked, "What happened?".

As I was crying I told him, "I screwed up.".