Crowned King(pt. 2)

[Summoning all available knights nearby...]

One by one, all of the servants in the household appeared before him. The sudden summon startled almost all of them except the butler who adapted to the situation fast. However, they instantly recognized Jarte's [Authority] and got down on one knee to acknowledge their new ruler. Their expressions were mournful. Martha shed tears silently.

Among those who were summoned, one face surprised Jarte like no other. Zephyr.

"What is going on?! Bring in a healer! Dad— he's clearly—"

He turned to take another look, the throat had been sliced and his chest appeared to be stabbed many times. The king's eyes already lost their light but the body had not gone cold. Tears ran down Jarte's cheek. The murderer still could be within their reach. He wiped his tears then yelled out commands,

"Engage emergency system! Lock all entrances and exits."

The security system of the mansion responded promptly.

[Emergency system engaged]

[All entrances and exits to the household has been blocked off]

"All of you, search every corner. Make sure the murderer can't escape!"

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

If he truly was the Crown Prince and his deceased father was the King, the knights who were summoned by the system can't disobey his commands. The Knights who swore loyalty can't turn their weapons against the king or plot against him because if they did so, they would've been cursed and their knighthood would've been removed. Such was the ability bestowed upon all Kings, [The King's Authority]. The 'History of The Kingdom' was a mandatory subject for all who attended school, commoners or not. Jarte knew that none of the Knights present here had murdered or plotted against the King.

"Zephyr and Martha, guard me."

Those two seemed to freeze when the command was issued. But they did as told, they stayed behind while the others hurriedly went on to search for the culprit.

"Your Majesty..." Zephyr spoke first.

"Was it fun, Zeph? For all these years, you did a brilliant job fooling me." Jarte's face twisted into a bitter smile. "How foolish."

He turned to Martha whose tears hadn't dried yet, "Are even your names real? Growing up, you were almost like a mother to me, a mother I never had! Now dad's.. dad's..."

He couldn't bring himself to say it, his eyes stung. He felt his face heat up due to anger and frustration. He slammed his fist on the desk. He knew he was more angry at himself than anything. His ignorance and incompetence lead to this.

"If only I didn't leave... maybe..maybe he'd still be alive!"

Martha tried to reach out to him and say something but he stopped her,

"Don't!"

Martha stood in her place reluctantly,

"Your Majesty, this isn't your fault. If anything, those who are to blame are us Knights. The culprit went undetected and—" She couldn't finish her sentence, she started trembling.

Zephyr took a deep breath before speaking, "Your Majesty, this is too much for you, I understand. We had orders from the previous king to never reveal any of this to you. The knights are bound by their oath to follow the king's command unconditionally or they bring doom to not only themselves but also their family." He paused, his nails were digging into his palm, "I'm sure you're aware of this. However, if His Majesty wishes, you can punish us in any way you prefer. I do not expect your forgiveness yet I apologize for keeping secrets from His Majesty. "

"As do I, Your Majesty." Martha kept her head lowered.

Jarte knew this; they wouldn't betray him even if he didn't use [The King's Authority]. But this was still difficult to accept. How much of what he knew so far was a lie? He felt himself grow faint. He would've fallen, had he not held onto the desk.

Martha's face twisted with concern, "Your Majesty..!"

Zephyr looked away from Jarte. This was too painful to watch. The King was the most kind and treated him like his own son. Zephyr grew up with Jarte, they shared their joys and sorrows together. Yet...how cruel had fate been. Zephyr thought Jarte would never trust him again. But being suspicious is good for a king, specially for Jarte. He had to overcome a lot from now on. Zephyr decided to speak up again,

"The Queen Mother is alive. You must think of her, Your Majesty."

Jarte's eyes widened with surprise and he turned to Zephyr,

"My mother..." Of course, the Queen was alive, wasn't she? He swallowed, his throat was aching.

A knock on the door was heard. Jarte steadied himself, "Come in."

The butler, Aereos entered, the rest followed. The knights had their heads hung low, "We could find no one, Your Majesty."

"No clues either?"

"None."

He expected as much, they came well prepared. While he was busy with his thoughts, Zephyr walked towards him and put a green crystal in the pocket of his hoodie discreetly. Having done so, Zephyr got down on his knees once more,

"Your Majesty, I have caused great discontent to you. I shall accept any punishment you deem fit for me!"

Martha seemed confused but quickly regained her composure. The look in Zephyr's eyes told him all Jarte needed to know. This was a farce. He didn't know why the knight did this but Jarte went along with it,

"I have not pardoned you just yet. I will hear your explanation and decide upon a punishment fit for you."

Just as they were speaking, another screen popped up before Jarte's eyes,

[You must lay claim upon the crown within a day]

[Once you accept, you and your Knights will be teleported to the throne room]

[Do you wish to proceed?]

Jarte took a look at his father's corpse and felt the desire for vengeance flow in his veins. He had to find the murderer and pass judgement on them. The best way to do that would be to return to the kingdom and become king. He thought to himself, 'Father, watch over me and guide me.'

'I wish to proceed.'

As soon as he said it in his mind, the library seemed to warp and twist. The knights stood calmly but he was close to emptying the contents in his stomach. He would've done so, if he had eaten when Aereos offered to get him food. Suddenly he felt his pocket heat up, the gem Zephyr put there did its job. Soon, he felt comfortable with teleportation.

The throne room held a huge throne, with intricate design and the workings of it appeared to be of gold. The red and gold throne sat empty except for a tall, golden crown sitting on it. Beside the large throne, a smaller yet equally charming seat had been occupied by the Queen. She held fast to her sword; her eyes were swollen and red. She seemed prepared to eat anyone raw should she consider them a threat. She appeared no less vicious than a lion guarding its territory as she sensed the approaching presence. However, her eyes opened wide when she saw the person leading the knights.

"This can't be...!"

"Mother?"