Holy Mission (part 1)

Ch. IV - Holy Mission (Rake)

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As the glamorous carriage moves in the middle of the capital's Northern Main Road, the crowd cheers very loudly.

Every single citizen here has received the news, the very news that was delivered just a few hours ago, the very news that just got created today.

The news of how six heroes of the Great Ardjestyn Kingdom managed to take down the legendary one eyed dragon Calibra within a single hour.

It wasn't even an hour, but if we told them it was as easy as two minutes, they wouldn't believe it. Everyone on the squad agrees, so we just went on with it.

My gaze landed on the people who were cheering for us outside the carriage as we made our way to the center of the capital. I'm looking at them through the window, the same window Jack is peeking his head out and waves his hand.

Those people regards us highly, as if we are something that was bestowed upon them as a gift. We are the existence that they needed very much, and that they can't survive without. They are very glad that we exist alongside them, to support them.

People like them think of me highly.

But, that man did not.

How happy my life would be, if only he did?

"Oi, Rake! Come on, peek your head out!"

Jack said to me right after he pulled his head back inside. He was right next to me, and we both sat right where the window was.

He must've felt tired from showing his face to the public's cheers for so long, that maybe switching with me is a good idea.

"What makes you think I'm interested in doing that?"

He immediately frowned upon me saying that.

"… Fair point. But come on! Just this once. You were the one who did the most in this, so you're the one who they are really praising!"

Even if Jack was the one who says that, it's still unfair.

I did the final hit. Not just that, I also sliced the dragon off of its wings. I also dealt the most wound to the dragon, since nobody else is strong enough to pierce the legendary dragon's skin. I also was the one who came up with the plan with Jack, and led everybody on the battle.

Jack and Arthur did the next best work, but Jack mostly dealt with defending while Arthur focused on taking the dragon's attention. The other three… barely did much damage.

But, it was unfair to think that it was all me. In the end, it was still a team effort. Just because I dealt a lot of damage, it doesn't mean I should be the one taking all the glory. 

In the first place, I wouldn't be able to touch the dragon if only Arthur or Baggets wasn't grabbing its attention. I wouldn't be able to take its wings if only Jack didn't protect me from the dragon breath. I wouldn't be able to slice its neck if the dragon wasn't dazed out by Ray Exortia's insanely destructive stun attacks. And Arthur certainly wouldn't be able to help me if Rose didn't heal him in time.

In the end… Everyone did their part, despite how small they are.

Things wouldn't come out this way if it wasn't for us working together. And it is unfair to ignore their hard work.

"It is… unfair to say that, Jack."

I said to Jack, and he quickly silenced up. He didn't dare to say anything, since he knows what my personality is like.

On the other hand, Arthur knows better.

"Tch! How annoying."

He mumbled rather silently, but everyone still heard it. In the end, he became the center of everyone's gazes.

The guy noticed it, and awkwardly turned his gaze towards everyone.

"W-What!?"

"Nothing. It's just quite surprising how you can still act that way even after what just happened."

Jack the flame boy definitely knows how to rile someone up.

A part of me does want this conversation to continue, but I know better that having even just one of us exploding from rage inside this carriage, in the middle of the most populated road in the damn capital, can actually kill the civilians outside.

So I did what every good person does.

I lifted my hand, and I smacked Jack in the face.

PLAK!!

"H-Hoi!"

Everyone, including Arthur, was very surprised by that.

"Why did you smack my face!?"

"Enough of that… Now isn't the time. We will talk about that later, at the palace."

I turned my gaze to Arthur, but he quickly looked away. 

As expected, no matter what kind of attitude he showed everyone, he still felt bad about what happened earlier. Even if Jack didn't say anything, Arthur already knows that what he did was terrible.

And… he also knows what I meant when I said we will talk about it at the palace.

Because at the palace, is where he is going to be judged.

The trip to the palace continued in silence, as nobody else wanted to say a thing. Jack continued waving his hand out to the people, while I continued to be in my mind, thinking of things. Everyone else either does the same as us, or just sleeping and snoring loudly… which is what Baggets did.

After a while, we arrived at the center of the capital, the White Cathedral. I stepped down earlier since my position is closest to the door, while Baggets stepped out last after being woken up violently by Jack.

While the two were quarreling, we made our way to the entrance of the building. Surrounding us are knights of the kingdom, special knights that were appointed as the royal protectors of the White Cathedral.

The White Cathedral is the most important building in the entire capital. It is the home to the royal family, the center of the military, as well as being the holy church of the kingdom. It is where all of the kingdom's most important people reside, where they are doing their daily duties, where all the important meetings are held.

One of those meetings will be held today. To discuss our achievement that we made, just a few hours ago.

The holy mission, issued by the king himself. To slay the legendary one eyed dragon that has been going around for a millennia, Calibra.

First, we will report the mission's completion during the meeting, as well as discuss some extra stuff. And as expected, plenty of powerful individuals will attend that meeting. The king himself, the royal family, the pope, head of the royal knights, and the kingdom's vice general of the knights army.

As for my father, the general knight, will not attend due to various disappointing reasons.

"Your father won't be attending today… sorry, Rake."

The vice general was rather young, in his early thirties. He was the closest man to my father, and he was also my main source of information if I needed to know anything about my father.

He told me that right after me and the other heroes arrived at the throne room, he quickly pulled me to the side to tell me. As for my reply…

"I don't care."

That was a lie.

But I just can't bring myself to show a disappointed face or remark. After all, I've been disappointed all the time, there's no point in continuing it.

I left him there at the side of the room while I returned to the others. He let out a sigh and also returned to his position.

"What was that about?"

Jack asked, looking like he wanted to know.

"Nothing important."

That was a lie… as well.