Chapter 112

"Sir Bushivo did you know he was a king?" The princes asked the General with a face full of confusion and shock.

"I had no clue at all. He was a strong warrior and seemed an important figure by the way he acted and the decisions he was making but I expected him to be a leader in the military, not the king."

"I can't believe it. That whole time he was a king. How come he is so strong and a king when he doesn't look old at all?" The princess was still in disbelief and trying to wrap her head around the kind man who had saved her more than once.

"Well, your father seemed impressed and I must say it was unusual for him to just accept the man and invite him into talks. This new friend of yours is intriguing. I see why you have such a high opinion of him."

The princess blushed and was about to respond when the group was interrupted by the other members of the throne room.

"The man you brought has no respect for us and the king still invited him to talk. I say this is unfit of him to do so. We cannot trust someone who has been hiding his status. We know nothing of these people except that they forcefully took over the Iron Rose Kingdom." The man in a blue robe had just spoken after arriving where the royal family and General Bushivo had been talking.

"You represent the church and advise his majesty on many issues but you do not speak ill of him," said Bushivo aggressively.

"The High Priest is not wrong Sir Bushivo and with your experience, I would have expected you to understand the risk of that man being so close to the king with no certainty of his identity," said the other battle master in the room. General Oye was in charge of the forces protecting the capital and was the second longest-serving general besides Bushivo. They often feuded and Bushivo was annoyed at the man's words but he admitted that Oye had a point. He personally trusted Kane but it was worrying that he never knew of the man's true identity.

"I do not mean to butt in but if I may speak plainly, the Irons Rose Kingdom has got my vote for an alliance."

The entire group looked strangely and surprisingly at the thin man. He was the wealthiest merchant in the kingdom and worked with the king to help fund many things.

"Speak. Why do you announce this to us?" asked High Priest Amano.

"I trade with them currently and I must say their supply of timber, ores, alchemy ingredients, furs, and other magical beast parts have been a boon to the economy. Ever since they started trading I have been able to increase several productions."

"Wait, how long have you been trading with this kingdom?" asked Bushivo.

"I made the connection recently. I was actually being attacked by bandits who were trying to take some goods I was transporting here. A group of armed men came and rescued me. They were from a caravan led by this unfamiliar merchant. We talked and I found out he had some decent goods and offered to buy them. Now we get regular shipments."

The group couldn't believe their ears. No one thought that they would be trading with this kingdom already.

"Well seems we should wait and see what the king says before we do anything else," said the other general in the room. He was not a battle master but still a brilliant warrior with expert sword arts. His name was General Fukuyo.

The other nodded, Oye and Amano more reluctantly.

Oye looked suspiciously at the men Kane brought with him. They were further away chatting quietly.

"Bushivo what do you think of his guards? Both low-tier battle masters."

"Well, Oye it is interesting to see battle masters who don't seem to be in a leadership role of some sort. They act as guards which is impressive as far as guards go. I fought with one. He is strong and uses a more common art. The other I have no knowledge on except that he has a strange accent."

"A king shouldn't waste warriors such as they on guard duty," said Oye.

"His men, his choice," responded Bushivo.

Before any more words could be exchanged the doors to the King's office opened. Everyone immediately perked up and stood at attention ready to hear what the duo had talked about.

"Sorry for the wait everyone. His Majesty Kane Hoss and I have discussed the issue that threatens both our homes. We have also discussed our goals and hopes for this war. After deliberation, we have decided that we will make join forces to rid this continent of the Kingdom of Kokar. They have plagued us for too long and together we may finally have a decisive victory. In fact, Lord Kane has done so much for our kingdom already, one deed being the rescue of my only daughter. I trust that no matter your own opinion you will respect my declaration. Everything has already been signed and our alliance is official. General Fukuyo I must apologize but after the news, we received this morning your rest will have to come later. Lord Kane and you will bring your force to his city and gather his men. Then you must head to the city of Sagaa and help stop the invasion that is going on there. The rest of you may return to your duties. Today is the start of many victories."

The faces were mixed with many emotions and feelings. Some negative, some positive. The only face shared was shock. No one expected things to progress so quickly and for the alliance to already go deal with an issue on the front lines.

Kane left toward his men but turned to say something quickly.

"It will be an honor working with all of you. I am sad to leave so soon from this beautiful city. General Fukuyo I will meet you outside. I look forward to fighting together and may your gods favor us."

Fukuyo nodded. Oye looked upset and Amano had an annoyed expression when Kane mentioned their gods. The man clearly was a non-believer. He would need to talk to the king.

The princess looked as if she wanted to same something but couldn't. The queen gave a knowing smile which made the princess's face turn into a peach.

"Bushivo I know you and my court would like more information. I will tell you everything along with my family. Then please pass it on to everyone here."

The General nodded. Seemed like it was time for him to get a headache. The king knew it would be a pain to talk to those against the alliance and so he was going to leave it to his most trusted General. This was the price of being the king's favorite.