119. Serious Talk Is Boring, Isn’t It?

Kyle’s father, Margrave Veil Road, lives in Gandarl city. We arrived there.

“Oh wow, this is quite the show.”

Van pokes his head out of the carriage and squints.

I poke my head out too and see the west gate of Gandar in the distance, with rows of soldiers lined up, led by ceremonial guards.

Kyle does the same, shielding his eyes with his hand.

“It seems it’s not just my father’s army, but also the kingdom’s Holy Knights.”

“What, why?”

I said it without thinking, but then remembered that Van was the king.

“Brother…”

“Sorry.”

I had heard that soldiers would be waiting, but I thought it would only be the Margrave’s troops, so I was a bit surprised.

As our carriage convoy passed through the west gate, flanked by the ceremonial guards, we proceeded directly to Gandar Castle.

Passing through the castle gate, we headed toward the courtyard.

Soldiers adorned in colorful armor stood at attention, saluting without a twitch.

“Alright then.”

Van pulled me close with a firm grip on my shoulder.

“When we get out of the carriage, I am Vaindeck Midlights von Maugaria. Be careful.”

“Got it.”

“It was fun, Craft!”

The carriage slowly came to a halt.

As per our pre-arranged plan, Persia was the first to disembark, followed by me.

The red carpet extended to the castle, but I hesitated for a moment, wondering if I should step on it with my shoes.

(Brother! Keep moving!)

(Oh, right!)

This time, I was not here as a guard but as a guest. I did my best to stand tall, forcing an awkward smile as I stepped onto the pristine carpet.

(I hope they don’t charge me for cleaning later.)

As I hesitated, a maid named Ryuuko appeared beside me and guided me.

Ryuuko is a special servant, created from a blend of dragon materials, homunculus, and golem technology, based on a Dragon Tooth Warrior.

She looks almost human.

She had ridden in the lead carriage and was pre-assigned to support me.

“This way, Master.”

“Oh, right.”

Despite the situation, Ryuuko showed no signs of nervousness. Truly an excellent maid!

It’s quite common for dignitaries to bring their servants, so bringing Ryuuko was a great decision.

“Please stand here. Kyle, Myrna, and King Maugaria will proceed first.”

“Just stand on the side of the carpet, right?”

“Yes.”

Following the instructions, I stepped aside and applauded as the three approached.

First, Kyle escorted Myrna out of the carriage. They proceeded as I did and stood beside me.

As Kyle and Myrna applauded like I did, Van finally disembarked.

Simultaneously, trumpets blared, and the ceremonial guards raised their flags.

“Wow, impressive.”

If the townsfolk were allowed to watch, it would have been a big spectacle.

Walking down the middle of the red carpet, he looked majestic.

The Van from earlier was gone, replaced by someone befitting the title of King.

As he passed by us, waving one hand, he gave a subtle wink.

It’s still Van after all!

I was tense for nothing!

Noticing my expression, Kyle chuckled.

“It seems brother’s tension has eased.”

“Damn, I’ve been played by Van from the start.”

“That’s just like His Majesty. Onii-sama, please follow us.”

“Sure.”

Following behind Van, Kyle and Myrna, I was escorted by Ryuuko.

“Please don’t look back.”

“Right.”

With an awkward smile plastered on my face, we entered Gandarl Castle.

That day, we were shown to our guest rooms.

Apparently, I was more nervous than I thought, as I fell into a deep sleep like a log.

◆

The next morning, the attendees for breakfast were all present.

Invited by both Margrave Veil Road and King Maugaria, were Kyle and Myrna, of course.

Leafan and I were also invited as a set.

Raidoc and his party member, Solar, were also invited. The other three who were no longer part of the party were not invited.

Naturally, Jabil-sensei was there too.

Additionally, all three Casper sisters.

The most surprising was Shururu’s invitation. It’s extremely rare for non-humans like dwarves and gnomes to be invited to official events.

Originally, Jurara was supposed to come, but due to post-swamp cleanup, Shururu came as her representative.

Then there’s Jitaro.

… Van has gotten too close to him.

Ryuko was there as a maid, not as a guest, but she was allowed to accompany us as our caretaker.

Lastly, there were Alfhard and Persia.

Alfhard, being part of the swamp subjugation team, was both a guest and a guard.

Persia came purely as Kyle and Myrna’s guard.

… She refused to stay behind, insisting on seeing Kyle honored.

During breakfast, Kyle explained the day’s schedule.

“In the morning, there will be a preliminary meeting. Only myself, Brother Kraft, and Jabil-sensei will attend.”

“Just the three of you?”

“Alfhard and Persia will accompany us as guards, but only the three of us will speak. It’s likely to be a practical discussion with my father and His Majesty.”

“So, basically…”

Kyle nodded.

“Without Kyle’s dad, it would be more relaxed.”

“Onii-sama, being too relaxed in front of His Majesty is…”

“That’s true.”

Honestly, I’m more nervous about the Margrave than Van.

Maybe it’s better not to be relaxed.

“Tomorrow is the formal ceremony. Everyone will attend.”

A formal ceremony after a candid discussion.

According to the plan, we just need to sit quietly.

We only need to do what we practiced beforehand.

If necessary, I can always ask Ryuko!

After reviewing our walking and bowing etiquette, we were summoned to a room.

“Let’s go.”

“Right.”

Kyle, Jabil-sensei, and I were led to a small meeting room.

◆

“Oh, Kyle, you’re here.”

“Good morning, Your Majesty Maugaria, Father.”

“Take a seat.”

At the table sat Kyle’s father, Margrave Veil Road, and Van, facing each other.

Their guards and attendants stood behind them.

Seated on the sides were Kyle’s elder brother, Flatten, and a girl in a black dress.

Flatten seemed younger than Zaid due to his collection of youth potions.

An attractive man, with sharp eyes fixed on us.

The girl sitting opposite Flatten… she might be Kyle’s half-sister, known as the Black Rose Princess.

I think her name was Layla?

And the most notable person was in the corner of the room.

Zaid was in handcuffs, flanked by soldiers. His expression was solemn and unreadable.

“Alright, let’s start the preliminary meeting. Orthros.”

“Yes. I will now report the facts we’ve gathered. Everyone, what you’re about to hear is confidential.”

“””Understood.”””

Kyle, Jabil-sensei, and I straightened our expressions.

“Let me get to the conclusion. The mastermind behind everything was my wife, and Zaid and Layla’s mother… Bella Veil Road.”

The Margrave Veil Road closed his eyes tightly.

Kyle lowered his gaze, and Jabil-sensei covered her face.

Zaid remained expressionless, as if his emotions had drained away.

“And Bella… has fled to her homeland, the Dubatten Empire.”

It’s completely dark.