Chapter 14: The Baron vs The King

The baron turned sharply, his face twisting into a mixture of surprise and disdain. "Who dares interrupt me?" he sneered, his eyes scanning Arthur with contempt.

Dressed as a commoner, Arthur's plain attire betrayed none of his true identity. The baron's lips curled into a mocking smirk. "And who are you to tell me what I can or cannot do?"

Arthur stood his ground, his voice steady. "A man who won't stand by while a child is beaten over an accident," he said, his gaze unwavering. "What kind of person strikes a boy and his father for a minor mistake, let alone threatens their family? Have you no shame?"

The baron's son, a haughty young noble, sneered. "Hey, commoner fatso, do you even know who my father is?"

"What, your mother didn't tell you?" Arthur replied. The crowd erupted into muffled laughter, the boy's face reddening with humiliation.

Enraged, Baron barked an order to his guards. "Capture that insolent fool who dares to insult Ethan Yone, Baron of House Yone!"

Two guards stepped forward, closing in on Arthur. Before they could lay a hand on him, a lightning spell erupted from the side, striking both guards and leaving them sprawled unconscious on the ground. Gasps rippled through the crowd as Carl, Arthur's guard, emerged from the crowd, his hand still crackling with residual energy.

The baron's remaining knights formed a protective line in front of their lord. "Who dares use magic against a noble in the central square?" Ethan shouted, his voice tinged with panic.

Carl stepped forward, his voice sharp. "You dare to harm—"

Arthur raised a hand, cutting Carl off before he could say more. "It was my guard acting in defense of me."

Ethan's eyes narrowed. "Identify yourself. How dare you insult me and attack my men? Do you understand that a commoner insulting a noble is a crime punishable by death?"

Arthur's tone hardened. "I understand you're a baron, but abusing your noble status to enforce cruel punishments over a child's harmless mistake? Despicable. The boy's ball didn't even harm you, yet you threaten their entire family? Do you call that justice?"

Ethan scoffed. "Justice? A commoner's word means nothing. Report me to the officials? They'll side with the nobility, as always. Even our so-called king, Arthur Jr., only cares about himself. Do you think he'd punish me?"

Arthur's gaze sharpened, his thoughts simmering. This fool has no idea who he's insulting. How typical of the arrogant nobility to mock their own king without a second thought. Perhaps it's time to remind him who truly holds power.

Ethan's smirk deepened. "Consequences? I've shown mercy by not punishing the boy more severely. If you think you can intimidate me, think again."

Tom, a four-star aura knight, could no longer contain himself. Stepping forward, he drew his sword with a resonant ring of steel. "How dare you speak of His Highness that way, you lowly baron!"

Ethan's laughter died, replaced by a flicker of fear. His guards drew their weapons, but before the conflict could ignite, Arthur raised a hand and spoke. "Stand down, Tom."

Arthur thought to himself since it is the final day of the trip, it won't matter if he revealed his identity as King Arthur Jr. It would not only secure favor and goodwill among the commoners but also serve a greater purpose. He understood that gaining their trust was essential for the future stability of the nation—a foundation he intended to build. 

Arthur stepped forward, his movements deliberate. Reaching up, he removed the wig he'd been wearing. Gasps rippled through the square as his unmistakable features came into view. From his pocket, he withdrew his royal identification card, bearing the sigil of Keldoria. The revelation hit like a thunderclap.

Ethan staggered back, his bravado crumbling. "Y-Your Highness…"

Arthur ignored him, kneeling beside the injured boy. He gently helped the child sit up, then turned to the boy's father, assisting him to his feet. Both stammered their thanks, their fear evident.

Arthur addressed the crowd, his voice firm yet compassionate. "You have nothing to fear. No one will harm you for this. I'm sorry for the injustices you've endured under a king who has failed you. That changes now. From this day forward, I vow to create a kingdom where every citizen is treated with dignity and fairness."

The murmurs of the crowd were a mix of disbelief and hope. Some remained skeptical, recalling the king's reputation. Others dared to believe in a brighter future.

Arthur silenced the murmurs with a raised hand. "To begin, I will see justice done here and now. Baron Ethan will answer for abusing his power and harming the innocent."

Ethan dropped to his knees, his voice trembling with desperation. "Your Highness, it was a misunderstanding! The boy kicked a ball at my face—I was merely teaching him respect. Spare me, and my family will provide you with treasures, magic items, gold—anything you desire to strengthen the kingdom."

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Not a part of the story

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