Story IV / Part LIII: The Red Dawn of Crimson Sky (XX) / The Wicked Fate That Awaits Us (XII)

"Hmm…?"

A message suddenly appeared inside Robert's head. He opened and read the message carefully. Once he had done, he closed the message menu and sighed heavily. At the same time, Erick came to his room.

Erick asked Robert while putting down the boxes, "What's the matter?"

"Aniki asked me to meet Queen Anne." Robert rubbed his neck.

"Hmm? What's wrong? It's about your special mission from her, isn't it?"

"Yeah, alright I will go. Ugh, I will tell Mikazuchi-san first." Robert stretched his back and walked out from his room, leaving Erick in confusion.

Robert walked to Command Center Room and informed Mikazuchi that he will leave to undertake Queen Anne's special mission that is assigned at him. Mikazuchi who worried about Robert's safety asked him again whether he really wants to take this mission or not. Actually, deep inside his heart, Robert doesn't want to take this troublesome mission at all but since he acted all high and mighty on the last meeting, he needs to bear the consequence.

"Are you sure about this, Robert-san? You can decline if you—" Mikazuchi asked him with worried tone.

Robert showed angry expression, "…And if I do that, where will I put my face?"

"But you will do this mission alone…" Mikazuchi looked at Robert with worried expression.

"Nah, I am used to fight "them" alone before I meet with all of you here. It's better to save your worries for Aniki or Tim, since they will be the one who take the most dangerous mission in this battle. Okay, see ya!"

"Robert-san, matte! (Wait!)" Mikazuchi reached out her hand but Robert had disappeared from her sight.

Robert teleported to main hall inside the fort and he sighed heavily again. Truthfully, he doesn't want to accept this nomination quest because he wants to join Haru or his father on this battle. But because made a blunder on the meeting with Queen Anne yesterday and told her a vital information that he thought is needless.

He thought the Queen and her subordinates have already known about that, because they often go to war to exterminate and repelling "them" when "they" are invading the surface world, but unfortunately he was greatly mistaken, since the armies rarely analyzed "their" behaviors and focused on eliminating "them" only.

"Haah…why I must meet "him" again…" He shook his head.

Another reason why Robert doesn't want to meet Queen Anne is "him", The King of Dark Elves and The King of Midgardia Kingdom, Vesta Darlimoire von Avestadoierelle. He is the main reason why Robert doesn't want to return or even visit his ————— graves on Midgardia and Milvario Kingdom. The door guard walked to him and asked him, "Are you by a chance is Alberto Robert—"

Robert walked to the door and said, "Yes, yes that's me. You don't need to call my full name loudly. You also don't need to notify Queen Anne inside since I have an appointment and permission from her."

"Eh! Wait—!" The guard tried to stop him but Robert has entered the room.

Robert closed the door and he sighed again. He raised his head and stared at the ceiling for a while, thinking about something deeply. Then, he walks on the long corridor to the main room where the kings and queens from another kingdom are.

He walks with uneasy feeling while grabbing his left chest. He feels like he wants to run right now, but it's not running from fear, he tried to run from inescapable dark fate that awaits on the room in front of him. Robert sighed heavily and closed his eyes for a while.

He continued his walk until he reached the door. The guards asked him his name again and he nodded. Then, one guard starts to notify the people inside while one of the guards pushing the door. But before he finishes telling his full name, Robert smacked his neck and attacked the guard who pushed the gate, he made two of them fell unconscious. Robert picked their body and placed them on the wall near the gate. He stiffens their body with magic so they look like standing near the door. It's solely to prevent any unnecessary situation later.

Robert walked back to the door and pushed it while walking into the room. He doesn't have a courage to look the people that lie in front of him. He quickly turned his body back and closed the door. After taking a deep breath and gathering his courage while closing his eyes, he turned his body back to front and opened his eyes.

Now in front of him, lie the most powerful figures in the world. They have been waiting for his face to appear. Of course, they are staring at him with different gazes. Inside their gaze, lies a wicked yet sovereign ego that able to twist the fate of Black Hawk. Even just a single word can destroy his body into dust.

Then, Robert puts his hand on his left chest, bowing his head a little, and cross his foot behind his right foot.

"Darstha-Reiveillagaes, Ang:let'uiver Of'ast Alfahaim Afre-illum el Darko sei Elane Darcovaseildrag Gedher." (I Greet You, Lords of The World, I Pray for The Maker as The True Creator of Universe, Darko and Elane as The Dark Dragon Gods to Protect Your Shadow)

"Del Illvetriater Ohntheria Estadracal." ("May The Maker and Dragon Gods Return Your Kind Prayer to You") They replied with cold yet firm tone. Robert who heard their reply chuckled and raised his head.

From normal point of view, Robert's greeting is considered as "awfully rude" in front of the Kings and Queens from Elven Alliance. Normally, people need to kneel before them and say long and hard to speak greeting. The greeting stance that Robert used before normally is only allowed for the Kings or Queens' closest people such as their Prime Ministers, relatives, families, comrades, best friends, benefactors, or aides.

Moreover, Robert used his Dark Elf language even though there are many Kings and Queens from other members of Elven Alliance. At least, someone needs to use universal Elven language in order to greet other lords in formal conference. It's very rude to greet them using your own race language, it's like you aren't acknowledging their position, social standing and presence in front of you.

Robert greeting stance is rarely used by the Prime Ministers because the Prime Ministers normally kneel down when they are greeting their Lords and what Robert did before only meant to "test the water". He chuckled because he heard a King from Sylph Elf Race clicked his tongue. It means, the Kings and Queens around Robert understand what Robert trying to say is, "I'm equal to all of you here."

"Truly, are all your kin as uncouth as this man, King Vesta?"

King Vesta isn't replying King Amaduril Elgen's statement. King Amaduril Elgen is the King of Ambreverjar Kingdom, a kingdom for Sylph Elves that located inside Great Forest of Ambarosia. He is also the son of Great Queen of Sylph Elves, Tilvandril Hamizel who rules over forests in the world. It is said that he opposed the idea of Arthern Kingdom taking refugee of Dark Elves that escaped from Abyssia with help of Dark Dragon Gods.

He was silenced and agreed the idea after The Dark Dragon Gods themselves appeared in front of him and glared him until he was brought down to his knees. Hearing this news, The Great Queen of Sylph Elves Tilvandril Hamizel quickly came from her kingdom to beg a mercy to Dark Dragon Gods.

After she was able to calm down The (pissed off) Dark Dragon Gods, she punished her (foolish) son by dethroning him for five hundred Eelvariash and sent him to [Purification Spring] in Northlandia or so my foster father said.

"It's not good to say something rude like that King Elgen, every people have their own character after all."

"How wise, as expected of you, King Ronand. But as I expected, defending your best friend is useless effort."

The King whose sit on the middle is King Ronand von Einkleins, he was the one who welcomed the (pitiful) Dark Elves into his kingdom and supported King Vesta until he can build his own kingdom inside Yggdrasil Tree, Midgard World. King Vesta became his best friend because King Ronand friendly and jolly figure. King Vesta is also forever indebted to him after everything King Ronand did to him.

I remember Arthern Kingdom, located in the middle of continent and far outside of Holy Elf Kingdoms' Protection Barrier, "Raitharivia." I heard that he allowed a trade between all races in the world except the Evailla Race and their relatives. He even let other races, including those humans to live inside his kingdom.

I also heard a news that King Ronand would give his throne to his future daughter and put an end of his reign to obey the commandment from The Maker where Holy Elf Kingdom must be led by a Queen.

"My, my…! You don't need to fight over small things like that, Elgen!" The man with blonde spark hair, which is King Fidel Cftheriden, tries to calm down King Elgen. He talked to Elgen with cheerful voice and King Elgen responded it by showing grumpy face.

(Fidel Cftheriden, King of Tempest Elves from Faetheria Kingdom. Hmm, behind his cute face and cheerful voice, I bet he hides something terrifying inside. It's better I'm not to make him upset) Robert glanced at King Fidel for a long time. He lowered his gaze after King Fidel noticed his gaze.

"Queen Anne, I believe my presence here is to hear your long-awaited explanation of my mission. Could you please tell me right now?" said Robert while smiling.

Robert's statement made all Kings and Queens in the room stares at him with surprised expression except few Kings and Prime Ministers who looked at him with angry expression. Meanwhile, Robert himself is just smiling happily as if nothing happened. Shortly after that, Queen Tilvandril chuckled and laughed, but she quickly covered her mouth with her right hand.

King Elgen slams the table with his hand, "YOU INSO—"

"Dear King of Ambreverjar Kingdom, Amaduril Elgen, I need to go right now otherwise many people will die in vain. I believe The Wise King Amaduril Elgen is fully understand the situation, no?" said Robert while smiling gently. He talked with calm and relaxing tone.

"But you know Robert-kun…you were the one who threw a tantrum first you know…or…are you making fun of us…?" said King Fidel with cute yet intimidating voice.

"Oh my, is that so? I think all Elven Kings and Queens, as well as Kings and Queens from Fairy and Dwarven Kingdoms are merciful and kind…maybe they can overlook one or two mistakes caused by this stupid petty commoner like me, can't they? I also think all Kings and Queens here have serious character, so they won't talk with strange voice, throwing jokes, chatting about nonsense or WASTING SOMEONE'S TIME when there are life's in danger right?" said Robert with gentle expression.

Now, every Kings and Queens in the room is looking at Robert with serious expression and some of them are looking at Robert with confused and anxious expression.

"Let me tell you your special mission, Alberto-dono." Queen Anne picked three papers from her inventory and gave it to Robert.

Robert read the papers carefully and every time he is done reading a paper, he nodded his head and mumbled something. Sometimes, he shook his head and sighed heavily. Meanwhile, the Kings and Queens around him are staring at him with stern and serious expression.

Robert sighed heavily, "Haah…"

King Elgen smirked and said, "What? Are you giving up already? Where is your pride bef—"

Robert shook his head, sighed and said, "Oh my, Queen Anne I'm sorry but I must refuse this mission."

"Hah! As expected from Demonkin! You can only talk big and act prideful!" said King Elgen with smug face.

"Elgen shut up!" Queen Tilvandril smacked his son head.

"But Esteemed Mother—!"

Queen Tilvandril replied him by showing a gentle smile. King Elgen suddenly surprised and sweating hard. Meanwhile, Queen Anne raised her left eyebrow and asked, "Is this mission unsuited for your fighting ability?"

Then, Robert chuckled and said, "Indeed Your Majesty, if I can say this mission is suited for small groups with average fighting abilities and at least, they had a battle experience against "them" for ten Eelvariash. Moreover, the reward you offer in this mission is too big. Why you are promising a big reward only for third-rate mission like this? Are you testing me?"

The Kings and Queens around Robert looked at him with surprised expression except Queen Anne who sits in silent and closed her eyes for a sec. Then, she opened her eyes and chuckled, "Hmmm…as expected…nothing can fool your eyes. I'm impressed."

Robert shrugged his shoulders and rubbed his neck, "You don't need to test me like this Queen Anne. I know I'm greedy…a little, but I'm not foolish enough to fall with child trick like this."

On the paper, it's written that Queen Anne requested Robert to exterminate "them" in several different areas. But the targets who appeared in those areas are just small fries with one strong leader in each of the packs. Even though the numbers of targets are great, but the reward offered is too high. Normally, you don't need to send veterans or experts to deal with "them". At least, you only need to send someone with average experience but with high combat skill.

"Your Majesty, please don't toy with my heart…" Robert talked with sweet maiden voice and looked at Queen Anne with cute expression.

"Bppfftttt…"

Queen Anne tried hard not to laugh and she can't help but to covered her mouth. Meanwhile, other King and Queen are glancing at Queen Anne in disbelieves. Of course, who doesn't surprised when the Ice Queen who's always quiet and cold are giggling happily like that.

Queen Anne suddenly stopped giggling and returned to her normal state. She picked something from her inventory and then she gave twenty papers to Robert. Robert who read them carefully then smiled widely and then he stored the papers inside his inventory.

"Thank you very much for selecting these missions for me, Your Majesty. You are being thoughtful." Robert bowed down his head and Queen Anne nodded.

"Your Majesty, regarding the twentieth task that you gave to me, how many of "them" that I need to kill?"

When other Kings and Queens glanced at each other, Queen Anne said, "As many as you can. Don't hold back." She said that with expressionless face and tone. Then, she sits and she leaned back on her chair.

"Yes…" Robert quickly bowed down while laughing a little. He bowed down with same position as before.

But when he raised his head, he showed a very terrifying smile and crazed eyes that made the Kings and Queens in the room shuddered, except Queen Anne, and Queen Tilvandril. Then, he walked back with three steps and bowed down his head again with same position like the one he used before.

"Oh, by the way, it's pointless to activate your original skill [Thavercal Dracas Elcetra] (Thunder Dragon Strike), Fidel-sama. My word, why is Hideryl-sama trying to activate his original skill [Themavoir Rei:Ignish] (Magma Core Blaster)? Am I look like a big threat in front of you? Also, Vesta-sama, stop scanning me with your original skill [Darveen-deilgavel: Overthraier Drec] (Black Revelation: Conqueror of The Dark) please? It's better if you use those skills when fighting against Demon Gods rather than small fry like me…."

Then, Robert smiles maliciously at them yet his eyes are looking at them as if he is looking at something worthless. Meanwhile, King Fidel, Hideryl and Vesta were surprised after seeing and hearing that. They sweat a little, but they hide it by fixing their sitting position and closing their eyes. Robert looked and smiled at them.

He turned his head back to Queen Anne again and said, "…If I die here, I'll be the last, Queen Anne." Then, Robert turned into mist and disappeared from the room.

The Kings and Queens were silenced for a while after Robert disappeared. They tried to think and understand what the meaning behind Robert action before is. Nevertheless, all of them can only sighed and shook their head except Queen Tilvandril who suddenly laughed hard until she cried a little.

"Fufufu…Haaah…that boy will surely become an amazing and important figure in the future. I bet you have already known this, haven't you Anne?"

Queen Tilvandril wiped away her tears while laughing. Queen Anne just closed her eyes and sighed. She didn't say anything to respond Queen's Tilvandril question.

"How's it, defeated by a boy that you have underestimated?" Queen Anne said it with mocking tone and all of them shook their head except King Elgen's face who looks almost explode with anger.

"But honestly, how can he know our original skills…? Oh, don't tell me someone leaked it?!"

"That was only your baseless accusation stupid brat, let's started the meeting and head into battlefield."

"Don't tell me Hideryl-chan is pissed off?! I—" King Fidel looked at King Hideryl with mocking expression.

"JUST SHUT UP!" King Hideryl glare at King Fidel, he is very much pissed off right now.

After King Hideryl shouted at King Fidel, Queen Anne started the quick meeting. It mainly discussed about "them" and how to stall this battle for seven daesh until next support army comes. They also discussed about how to logistic routes and times until they come again.

Before Queen Anne dismissed the meeting, she told other Lords about new [Calorie Meal] that [White Falcon] Party's leader developed, even until on the details about his party members who can't stop eating that make them incapacitated for few heverra before.

The words of Queen Anne have piqued an interest of other Kings and Queens from Elven Alliance, especially King Fidel and King Diego who have trouble with military foods. They said the military foods they developed seem to be ineffective and have short duration.

Moreover, their taste is awful and the soldiers have been complaining it over time, the soldiers heard other races that tasted their military foods humiliated and mocked their foods while throwing it to trash bin. There were small quarrels between soldiers from another kingdom because that issue.

King Fidel touches his lips, "Ehh…I want to try that. Alright, I'll ask that Haru boy after he returned."

Queen Anne crossed her arms and said, "I believe it's a wise decision if you hear his explanation first before eating that, King Fidel. Otherwise, you will encounter same extremely painful stomachache problem like his friends. If you ignore my words, I wouldn't help you if you have a stomachache later."

King Hideryl stands up from his chair, "Cut it off Anne, let's go."

"Uwwoohh, red stone head has reached his limit eh? What a bloody berserker."

King Hideryl walked to King Fidel and smacked his head then he pulled him out from the room. King Vesta and King Ronand followed after them as well as other rulers until there are only Queen Tilvandril and Queen of Eastalfall Holy Elf Kingdom, Cynthia Sevia Lorentz left in the room.

Queen Cynthia stares at Robert and Haru's profile on a paper, "I want that Robert and Haru to become mine."

"Oh, you can't! Robert will become mine…eh, wait maybe we can't since Anne protected them really well. Oh no worries, I'll think another method in the future, ufufu."

On another place, Robert sits on his bed and staring at a sketch of happy family with four Dark Elves inside. The boy clung onto his father's arm and the girl clung onto her mother's chest. The father and mother smiled happily in the photo and they seem like cherish their children so much.

Then, Robert stored the photo into his inventory and stand up from his bed. He gritted his teeth and he clenches his hands so hard that his nails bite deep into his palm.

"Just you wait, father, mother…I'll seek out the truth behind your——"

"Robert! Hurry go to main field, we will depart now!" Mikazuchi suddenly entered the room.

Robert is surprised a bit and he quickly equipped his [Chaos Gears] and hood. He walked to the door and looked back to his room. He saw a glimpse of a Dark Elf boy and girl played in their parents' room. Their mother cuddled them and their father tickled their body.

They look like very happy. He felt nostalgic the moment he saw it, yet he also felt…regret. Robert shook his head hard and snapped back to reality, sweats run down from his body. Then, Robert quickly leaves his room and closes the door, not willing to be imprisoned in the past forever.

…The past is in the past. It cannot hurt him, not anymore at least.