The Baskerville family is responsible for overseeing the "night" in Slayers Kingdom. They manage the criminals and gangs within the kingdom, ensuring that they do not pose a threat to the royal family. Although their rank falls short of a marquis, one could say that they are the kings of the "night," standing alongside the royal family, the kings of the "day."
"...It's my first time coming here for something other than a game."
A few days after returning from Corragio Village to the capital, I was dressed unusually formally in a sleek suit as I visited a certain location. It was the heart of the capital, the Slayer's Palace, where the Slayers' royal family resided. Many nobles and officials worked day and night here, shaping the politics of the nation.
Having returned to the capital, I requested an audience with the king. Reports from the Duke Alterio's family had already been submitted to the king, and I was granted an immediate audience. I arrived at the palace with Aeris and was walking down the corridor towards the audience chamber, known as the "Throne Room."
"Zenon-sama, your attire is truly splendid. You look completely different."
Walking beside me, Aeris blushed and complimented me with a lively voice. Aeris held the position of my fiancée and future wife, although we hadn't officially married yet. In high society, she was treated as the "Lady Baskerville" in all but name.
Now, we were both dressed in noble attire, not in school uniforms or adventurer gear. Frankly, I felt somewhat uncomfortable in my outfit, but Aeris carried herself with grace. She wore a pure white dress that resembled a wedding gown, attracting the attention of passing officials and nobles.
"It's been a while since I met His Majesty. The same goes for you, Zenon-sama, right?"
"Yeah... Ever since my father passed away, I've only seen him a few times for the ennoblement procedures... Honestly, it feels heavy. He's not someone I particularly want to meet."
"You shouldn't say things like that. You never know who might be listening."
Aeris scolded me with a troubled expression. It seems that the king had a close relationship with the late Lord Garondolf Baskerville, my father. As rulers of the "day" and "night" in Slayers Kingdom, they must have had something in common. Their involvement was limited to the surface, but it was said that they shared some friendship, even going so far as to drink together in secret.
"...It's annoying the way he treats me like a 'brat friend.' It's a hassle to constantly refuse his summons."
Muttering my complaint, I continued walking, and we arrived at the audience chamber. A knight standing in front of the door glared at me with a vigilant gaze.
"This is Zenon Baskerville, who had an audience scheduled."
"...Permission has been granted. You may enter."
The knight reached for the door. However, before opening it, he directed his words at me as if challenging me.
"You should be aware... If anything were to happen to His Majesty, the Royal Guard would cut you down. The Knight Commander is also present in the audience chamber, so make sure not to act strangely."
"Heh... Since when did a mere knight have the audacity to speak disrespectfully to a Marquis? I'll pretend I didn't hear that and just open the door. You lowly grunt."
"..."
The knight's gaze hardened, but he remained silent and opened the door. I extended my arm to Aeris, waiting for her to take it, and then entered the room.
"Presenting Marquis Baskerville."
As I heard the announcement from the attendant, we walked along the long red carpet stretching before us. At the end of the elongated carpet, on a few steps of elevation, sat a middle-aged man in his forties. Adorned in extravagant clothing, with a cloak and a crown, that person was none other than Julius J. Slayers, the King of Slayers Kingdom.
"..."
"..."
Aeris and I knelt before the king, bowing our heads and waiting for his words. After a brief pause, the king looked down upon us and solemnly spoke.
"Rise."
"Yes."
"I commend you, Marquis Baskerville, for coming here. You seem well."
"Your Majesty also appears to be in good health. I am grateful for granting us this audience."
"Hmm. It's of no concern. I've heard the reports from Chrisrossa... It seems you had quite the ordeal in Alteriore."
Chrisrossa referred to Duke Chrisrossa Alterio. As the duke's family was related to the royal family, it was likely that they were on familiar terms, addressing each other by their first names.
"I have received reports that you conducted investigations in Alteriore's newly discovered dungeon and successfully defeated unknown monsters that emerged from it. It was an impressive accomplishment befitting the Baskerville Marquis. I am satisfied."
"...It is an honor."
"Now... what business brings you here to request an audience with me? Speak without reservation."
"..."
It had come. The moment of negotiation with the king that would greatly determine whether I could save Leon Brave, who had turned into a monster. I was prepared for this, with all the necessary preparations in place. Observing the king's expression, I opened my mouth to speak.
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