Seeker 232

Test

Chapter 232. Audience

The audience room had a distinctly formal atmosphere. 

It was a room made of stone, with a chandelier hanging from the ceiling.

A red carpet stretched straight from the entrance to the back of the floor.

Various designs adorned the walls and ceiling, with displayed tapestries and statues. 

On either side of the straight carpet stood several awakened individuals, seemingly knights adorned with the Holy Knight medals, and other dignitaries.

Among the guards, there was Benedict-san, the captain of the Holy Knight Order. 

The throne at the back of the room was elevated. 

Seated on the throne was a man who appeared to be the king. 

He exuded the aura of a well-maintained middle-aged man, around 50, with silver hair, blue eyes, and a robust physique that showed no signs of aging. 

Above all, it was his power. 

He was undoubtedly an Awakened One, and his strength seemed immeasurable.

These were the 8 Heroes—individuals akin to Dark Elf Yusefia-san and Dwarf Bargamund, both in age and impression. 

No doubt about it. The person seated on that throne was Eldrick, the Holy King, one of the 8 Heroes.

As we passed through the entrance of the audience room, we proceeded cautiously. 

Kazane-san whispered softly.

"D-Daichi-kun, what should we do? I have no idea about the etiquette for these situations."

"Don't worry, Kazane-san. I don't either."

"For now, should we go about halfway and kneel? Or something like that?"

"Alright, let's go with that."

The atmosphere was completely different from when we met Aria-san's father. 

Or rather, the other situation was abnormal. 

Even though he was a noble from the Count's family, he seemed too unpretentious.

The three of us, Kazane-san, Yuzuki, and I advanced to the middle of the hall, kneeling somewhat formally. 

I, representing us, raised my voice to the king.

"Um, as adventurers, we're not familiar with the etiquette in such places. If we have been impolite, we apologize."

My voice faltered. 

I also lied a bit. 

It's not because we are adventurers.

There seemed to be a slight chuckle among the people in the hall. Embarrassing. 

But the chuckles quickly subsided. 

The king on the throne raised his hand to silence the room.

"Etiquette does not matter. I was once an adventurer. More importantly, I heard you are messengers from Unicorn of the World Tree Forest."

His voice carried authority and dignity.

I felt completely out of place. 

But I couldn't just be hesitant. 

I explained the abnormality of the World Tree as heard from Unicorn. 

As I spoke, the commotion in the audience room grew louder.

After I finished speaking, the Holy Knights and dignitaries in the audience room were visibly disturbed.

Once again, Holy King Eldrick silenced the room with his hand.

"I understand the situation. It's indeed a serious matter. We need to send messengers to other countries and consider countermeasures. In any case, thank you for your efforts. Let us reward your journey with a bounty."

Then—ding. 

The usual sound rang out.

───────────────────────

Special Mission Report the anomaly of the World Tree to Holy King Eldrick Completed!

All party members gain 30,000 experience points!

Kodachi Kazane reaches Level 42!

Current Experience Points:

Musou Daichi... 67,7634/72,0298 (Next Level: 42,664)

Kodachi Kazane... 66,3926/72,0298 (Next Level: 56,372)

Yuzuki Hotaru... 77,2301/81,3032 (Next Level: 40,731)

───────────────────────

Mission accomplished. 

The experience points gained might not feel satisfying compared to the days invested, but can't be too extravagant. 

The risks were minimal, and that's how it goes.

Now, with the audience seemingly concluded—

However, King Eldrick suddenly lifted the corners of his mouth.

"By the way, have you all considered becoming Holy Knights of my country? I promise immediate acceptance."

"Huh...?"

I unintentionally let out a dumbfounded voice. 

Looking around, even the ministers and Holy Knights in the audience room seemed equally stunned.

Soon, one of the ministers, in a fluster, advised the king.

"Your Majesty, please refrain from such jesting! The position of a Holy Knight is an honorable duty of our country! Appointing these unknown adventurers as Holy Knights without any test is unacceptable!"

"I didn't mean to be facetious. The number of Holy Knights to protect the people is never sufficient. Besides, by 'again', are you referring to the incident with the cat-eared girl?"

"Of course! Appointing a beastman, especially a cat-eared one, as a Holy Knight—"

"Hmm, perhaps that was imprudent. Let's leave that matter aside. However, these individuals are a bit different. I'll tell you, each of them possesses strength almost on par with Benedict."

"Strength, you say... Wait, huh...?"

The minister showed a dumbfounded expression. 

Eyes wide, mouth agape, a little snot even came out.

"B-Benedict, the Holy Knight Captain, and equal strength...? Are these individuals each capable of that?"

The people in the audience room stirred again. 

Their eyes were all focused on the three of us. 

Earlier, they looked at us with slight disdain, but now there was a sense of awe and respect in their gazes.

"Daichi-kun, what should we do? We're getting a lot of attention."

"Senpai, it's time for your specialty, a good joke."

"I don't have any, and even if I did, it would probably backfire. For now, let's just decline."

Do you want to become Holy Knights?—King Eldrick said. "Was that possible?" I thought that. 

But yeah, it isn't possible. 

We'll return to our adventurer journey after 77 days, and staying in one place isn't conducive to gaining experience points.

"Your Majesty, we are thinking of continuing as traveling adventurers. We would like to decline your invitation to join the Holy Knights."

"Oh, I see. Well, I just asked out of curiosity. If that's your decision, so be it."

The conversation ended easily, and we were granted permission to leave the audience room. 

I breathed a sigh of relief. 

Proper etiquette and formalities are more nerve-wracking than battling monsters.

The 3 of us bowed and exited the audience room. 

King Eldrick seemed to whisper something to Holy Knight Captain Benedict, and I caught a glimpse of it. 

As we stepped into the hallway, Benedict-san followed and addressed us.

"Thank you once again for your efforts. By the way, His Majesty has another request for you. Would you mind waiting in the castle for a while?"

"His Majesty has a request for us...?"

I didn't know the details, but my instincts hinted at the possibility of another special mission. 

For now, let's hear what he has to say.