Chapter 18- Idiot King

Holy Capital

After greeting Griffin, Kazuki and Sakura decided to take a stroll around town with the two paladins as escort. Maggie couldn't go with them ecause she's more interested in visiting the royal library while Pegasus was with Griffin talking about how to defend the entire city from Crux. During their stroll, Kazuki noticed the great difference between the Holy Kingdom and Crux based on livelihood, economy, and military strength. Crux was only superior in military strength while the Holy Kingdom is superior when it comes to their economy. He then remembered Pegasus talk about Crux's idiot king.

" Hey Sakura, do you think this place is better to live in than Crux?" Kazuki asked feeling unsure. He could not be sure on what country is better or worse because each country has it's own superiority.

" Definitely." just as Sakura replied, they heard a voice from behind, " I won't be so sure about that." when they turned around to see who it was, they saw a portal open and Griffin stepped out along with Pegasus.

" To tell whether a country is better or not depends on its citizens. Also, the reviews of the citizens serve as an image for it's ruler." Griffin explained that if the Holy Kingdom is a prosperous kingdom, then Crux is a safer place.

" So your saying that the face of each kingdom is the result of it's ruler's achievements?" Kazuki tried to confirm if his conclusion was accurate.

" Precisely. Though Crux has a strict ruler, he is a great king who made laws for his citizen' safety. Its just that, he's forcing people to join the military." Griffin let out a sigh of pity for the people of Crux.

" You mean that idiot king right? If i remember, hiss name was Arthur." rage started to grow inside Kazuki. Though it was not his habit to worry about others, seeing the situation of the citizens starving to death when he visited there almost crushed his heart.

" No Kazuki, Arthur is a wise king. It is someone who controls the king. The one of higher status."

Kazuki's eyes darkened. He realized it was the same man who commanded the knights to ambush them. " You don't mean-"

" Yes it's the supreme mage Magnus. He's been ordering Arthur in everything he does. That's why Arthur was the one always getting blamed but, it was Magnus who was ordering all of it." Kazuki's jaw clenched. His goal shifted from helping the Holy kingdom to killing Magnus.

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Crux's Castle

Magnus received news that the hero has arrived from one of his spies sent to the Holy Capital. He's busy planning a new strategy when Brim entered the room.

" You seem to be in a bad mood Magnus." He said in a mocking tone stating what's obvious.

" Get out." Magnus said in a cool dark tone. Though Magnus was known for his short temper, he can't get angry to someone who's concerned for him.

" My, what a cold attitude you have. You're so mean Magnus." he added more mockery to his words and gave a small pout when Magnus ignored him.

" You seem to have more spare time. Wanna spar?" Magnus replied with a faint smile.

Brim's eyes flared in excitement. " Don't blame me for embarrassing you." he warned him with slight mockery.

" Like I'd lose to a kid." Magnus smirked and gave him a wooden sword.

Just as they were about to clash swords, a messenger arrived.

" Sir! The enemy are getting ready for battle. They are expecting us to attack at noon."

Magnus' eyes darkened. He never thought that they would be so sure to go to battle with them.

" Brim, tell Arthur to withdraw our positioned troops. We'll attack the Elven Forest instead." he commanded and Brim immediately left.