Chapter 6 - The King

What was the king doing at a fucking inn?! I didn't know. When I was describing the king in my novel, I had made him one of the most loved kings.

'King Vandersun was someone who'd fight on the frontlines during war. He loved his people, and his people loved him. But he was also a family man, for his children he'd sacrifice himself in a heartbeat.'

That was the basic description I gave him. I did go more in depth later, but I don't remember writing that the king loved visiting random inns!

But the king I wrote didn't look like this? King Vandersun had golden blonde hair to match his light magic. He and the rest of the royal family also should have had golden eyes. But the person before me had dark brown hair and green eyes.

"How long have you been singing?"

"A few years."

"Oh? What got you into singing?"

"Depression."

"Oh."

Maybe because of my 'Peace of Mind' skill, but I was rather calm. I was watching the people as we moved.

"Well, you're an amazing singer."

"Thanks."

A few more short conversations later we arrived at a castle. During this whole trip the king was smiling.

His bodyguard helped him and me get off the carriage.

"Surprised?"

"Very."

"You don't sound it?"

"I was wondering if I'd be executed."

He stopped and looked at me for a moment before suddenly laughing.

"Haha! When did you notice?"

His appearance suddenly changed from the brown-haired man to his normal handsome self.

"On the carriage."

"Haha, don't worry, anything you said to me while I was in disguise doesn't matter."

"Plus, we're here to discuss singing for my daughter's birthday."

"That's good."

"Let's go."

As we entered the castle the butlers and knights all greeted us in. This was a first for me, I've never been greeted while entering anywhere.

He took me to his office and told me to take a seat.

"Can you bring us some tea?"

He asked his butler

"Of course, Sir."

I didn't know what expression I should have, suddenly meeting the king wasn't something even the main character did.

"Allow me to formally introduce myself. My name is Richard Vandersun, the king of Plough."

I wasn't familiar with royal greetings or anything like that, the only royal greeting I knew was from manga and manhwa. Maybe because I'm from the slums he'll allow it.

I got on one knee

"Greetings to his majesty, my name is Leo Vondheart."

"Hm?"

"Sorry if I greeted you wrongly, I am from the slums and never learned how."

"Haha, don't worry, your greeting was fine."

I took a seat then the butler came back with the tea.

"Thank you."

The butler bowed then walked out of the room

"Now, shall we get to business."

Even with my 'Peace of Mind' skill the pressure the King was showing was immense.

I took the initiative.

"When do you need me to sing?"

"In 2 days."

"How much will you pay?"

"50 Silver."

"Can I bring my brother?"

"He's the waiter, right?"

"Yes."

"Then I'll allow it."

This man was about to give me 25 weeks' worth of salary in a day. Plus, the other nobles who would be there would want to hire me as well? Um, yes? I felt like I was scamming him, but whatever.

"We'll see you in 2 days."

"Oh? You're not going to haggle?"

"Who would dare haggle the king?"

"You seem like you would."

"Maybe later."

King Vandersun's skill 'Keen Eye' an absolutely broken skill.

Keen Eye (S Grade)

You can see one's nature and can tell when someone's lying.

Which dumbass thought it was a good idea to give him that? It was me. I'm the dumbass.

"Pleasure doing business with you."

"I'll have a carriage take you back."

"Thank you, Glory to his majesty."

I walked out shortly after and got on the carriage.

A female in pure black clothing appeared and kneeled in front of the king.

"My liege."

"What's the situation?"

"We have a report that an attack will occur in the capital."

"When?"

"A week from now."

"Good work, prepare for countermeasures."

"Yes, my liege."

---

Arriving back at the inn it was now dark out.

"Thanks."

"I'll pick you up 2 days from now."

"Alright."

Heading inside, Rio was now sitting at a table.

I sat across from him.

"Hey."

"Leo!"

"How was work?"

"Great! I feel like I'm getting used to it already!"

"That's good."

"Yup! How'd the meeting go?"

"Ah, we're fucked."

"What!?"

He had a shocked look on his face

"I'm kidding."

"We're meeting the king's daughter in 2 days."

He had an even more shocked look on his face this time

"WHAT!?"

After explaining the situation to him he calmed down.

"But... Are you sure it's alright for me to be there?"

"Why not? The king said it's okay."

"But I'm from the slums..."

"So am I?"

"But you're singing... I'm just going to be a waste of space there..."

"The only reason I'm singing is because of you."

"If you're not there, I won't sing."

"What!? You have to..."

"Rio. If anyone there says anything bad to you, I'll tell them to fuck off. Even if it's the king."

"You can't... But..."

"Thanks..."

I really couldn't explain why I was so protective of Rio. The closest thing I could imagine was because of how much he reminded me of my past.

"I'll tell Boss that I'm singing for the king on Saturday, then I'll be going to sleep. Goodnight."

"Goodnight..."

Rio still had to work for another hour