In the World of Midgar 64 — Vanaheim (10)

꒰ঌ Vanaheim 10

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"Sorry for what happened last time, hero. I thought we had prepared for every possibility, but it looks like I was too naive."

After being thrust into an unusual situation and being made to witness the fight between Lucifen and the Grimm King, the hero party had turned back to Laevateinn. There had been people who'd derided and insulted them for that decision, which made Haru want to tell them to try standing in front of both Lucifen and the Grimm King.

There's no way. I don't think we'll be able to win even if we get several hundred or even thousands of people.

The king said that he'd been naive before, but by Haru's reckoning that hadn't been fixed.

Yeah, the king's understanding of the situation is naive.

"If we gather all our elite troops… If we get enough numbers… If we get good enough weapons…"

The king seemed to think that those small tricks would change things, but that was a complete mistake.

There's no way he can understand… Only the people who saw that fight know this feeling of fear and despair.

Ayame, who should have been in the party, had completely succumbed to fear and declined to continue on the journey. But Haru couldn't blame her for that decision. Even he wanted to go back to his home in Chiba right now if he could…

"Ayame's withdrawal is a huge blow. But do not fret. I have already found someone even more skilled than her." The king spread his arms in an exaggerated motion before introducing the people who were waiting beside him. "First, is the one rumored to be the strongest mercenary, nicknamed the fearful 'Ogre,' Ayame's father, Teuchi!"

Having been introduced by the king, a muscular middle-aged man wearing a viking-helmet stepped forward. He had a giant, person-sized claymore equipped on his back, as well as a short sword at his waist. His shiny new armor didn't seem to fit him, strangely. He'd most likely received the new armor from the king, and it didn't seem like it was comfortable to wear.

Seeing his face, Haru couldn't help but think, he looks nothing like his daughter. But that was only natural. Such were the mysterious ways of genetics.

"Next is the adventurer party that conquered the Grave of the Black Emperor, the Team CRDL! We are all counting on you, Cardin!"

"We humbly accept your royal order, Your Majesty! Leave the young hero to us!"

The one who spoke looked like the dictionary definition of an adventurer and replied in a way that was both full of confidence and borderline rude. His brown hair was spiked upwards, and his sharp-looking eyes glinted with motivation. Haru could feel the force of his vigor and spirit, as if he wasn't afraid of anything. It was making him think that the man might actually charge at an enemy regardless of how large the gap in their power was.

The three people behind him were nodding in agreement with Cardin, also full of confidence.

"And… I was mistaken. I forced the young warriors that carry the future with them as well as that young man from another world to fight while I sat safely on my throne… Yes, it should have been obvious to me. How can I claim to be trying to save the world if I don't jump into the fire myself?"

Hearing the king blame himself, everyone who was listening reflexively raised their heads.

Haru felt a sense of dread. I can't shake the feeling that this king's gonna say something absurd.

Haru's premonition proved correct. The king started shouting something utterly insane.

"I will be going with you, hero! Let us save the world together!"

"MY LIIEEEEGGEEE!?"

The king had stood up from his throne as he started to spout his insane idea, causing his retainers to shout while looking like the world was ending around them. However, the king didn't seem to mind and continued to speak.

"I may be old, but I fought on the front lines in my youth! I feel no regrets over offering up my life for this cause. I shall sacrifice myself and become the foundation for my people's future! How can I call myself the descendant of the Warrior Queen if I refuse to brave danger myself?! Soldiers, bring me my sword! I, the descendant of Erza Belserion, King Fernandez IV will show you my skills—"

"The king's gone mad! Restrain him!"

"What are you bastards doing—?!"

At Mitokado's order, the soldiers sprung into action and restrained the king. The king resisted, swinging his arm with unthinkable strength for someone his age. The struggle unfolded with a cycle of soldiers grabbing onto the king and the king throwing them to the side. However, he couldn't win against their numbers in the end and was restrained before being dragged away.

Huh? Is that really okay? What happened to lèse-majesté? Haru thought absentmindedly.

"… Um, was that really okay to do?"

"There won't be any problems. The king has simply taken ill."

"No, but, isn't that a crime?"

"This happens a lot, and the king doesn't mind this sort of thing. If he did, Plue would have been arrested long ago."

"… But doesn't a king need, like… to preserve his dignity or appearance or something…?"

"We've already given up on that."

It seemed that Mitokado had his fair share of hardships in dealing with the king.

Oh, yeah. He's the advisor to the king, isn't he? The fact was impressed upon Haru once more. I see. It seems dealing with the king is quite the feat.

In fact, Haru went as far as to think, Actually, given how musclebrained the king is, I wouldn't be surprised if Mitokado handled the political side of things entirely by himself.

Still… Haru looked back over the people who would accompany him on his journey.

Plue the Sword Saint. The vice captain Hana. Mitokado, the back line specialist. Teuchi the mercenary. Cardin the adventurer. The other members of the party team CRDL — Thrush, Dove, and Larks. And then there was Haru himself.

"…"

— Why is everyone so… full of personality…?

Haru couldn't stop himself from becoming incredibly sad.

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