Assassinated King

Chapter 4

“First off,” Lucian said, “let's go to my room. These hallways don't lend themselves to privacy.”

“Sure.” The immortal turned toward the proper direction. “I mean, there's a zero percent chance we'll be overheard since I have so much experience sneaking around a castle meeting with royals. But it would be nice to relax somewhere while we talk.”

“Have you met with the royal families of other kingdoms?” Lucian began walking as he asked.

“No, you're the only people in this world that I've talked to.”

“In this world…?” Lucian's suspicions on a few matters became certainties. “Just how many worlds are there?”

“That…” The young immortal stopped in front of a fancy door. “...is something that you'll have to keep wondering.”

“Can't say, huh?” Lucian opened the door to his room. “I've gotten accustomed to being left in the dark, which is not something I'm proud to admit.”

“Dealing with gods is annoying, something I know very well. But you're a smart man, which is half the reason you were chosen. I'm sure you'll figure the important stuff out on your own.”

Lucian and the young immortal stepped aside, letting the girls go first. Emilia, Minerva, Aelia, Teflyn, and Mia all enter the royal bedchamber, followed by the two guys who shut the door behind them.

Although the king's room was large, it wasn't made to accommodate seven guests on a whim. The three chairs and two-man sofa were all very comfortable, but it would leave two people standing or sitting on the edge of the massive bed.

Rather than deal with that, the young immortal raised a hand toward an empty section of the room, near the sofa. In a blink, two more chairs appeared, looking just as comfortable as the royal accommodations.

At the center of the lounging area was a table. It was empty, save for a vase of flowers that acted as both decoration and a natural aroma. But as Lucian and the others watched on, a variety of items appeared around the vase.

A pitcher of steaming tea, surrounded by enough cups for everyone present. A large plate of bite-size snacks, filled with a variety of options to choose from. And a bottle of green wine that seemed to glow with a magical light.

“I know all of you ate recently,” the young immortal said, “but I'd still suggest trying a snack or two. They're out of this world.”

The smirk on the immortal’s face made it clear what he meant with his joke.

“This magic.” Minerva eyed the immortal. “Mother has it, as well. It's similar to our [Materialize], yet different.”

“The Fairy Queen is immortal, too. For people like us, storing items in a time-compressed space is one of our core abilities.” He held up his hand, a ring between two fingers. “With your power, Minerva, you could probably learn it.”

“I can? Mother said I still had much growing to do before I could learn her advanced techniques. It's one of the reasons she sent me out into the world.”

“It's true you don't have the full strength of a true immortal, but you've got the seed of power growing inside of you.” The ring in his hand disappeared. “Perhaps one day, you'll be able to use it to its full potential.”

The young immortal reached out to the plate of snacks. “Deviled eggs always were one of my favorites.”

Lucian watched on with a curious eye. He recognized that food, as many on Earth would. Whether the immortal had chosen it for that reason, he didn't know. And he understood that he wouldn't receive the answer, even if he asked.

“I suppose it'd be rude to refuse…” Emilia gave an excuse as to why her hand was reaching for a sweet snack.

Others followed the foxgirl’s lead, picking at least one item from the plate, along with a drink to go with it.

For most, that drink was steaming tea. But a couple of them decided to go for the wine, instead.

Aelia swished the glass beneath her nose. “This stuff sure smells different from anything else I've had.”

“Fairy Wine. No relation to Minerva or her mother, though. In fact, it's far more closely related to you, Aelia.”

The dark elf girl gave the drink a taste test. “Now this is wine. Strong, but the flavor doesn't leave a bad aftertaste. Not sure how it relates to me at all, though.”

“Well, the race who makes this wine could be considered a cousin of your own. Maybe you'll meet one of them someday.”

Teflyn was too busy stuffing her face to join the conversation. She was a growing girl, and her appetite reflected that.

There was another young girl who was even younger than Teflyn. But that young girl was only nibbling on her snack, her attention far more focused than her oni companion.

“Why the visit?” Mia asked.

“Straight to the point, huh? Reminds me of someone I know. She's about your age too. Going by looks, anyway.” He shrugged. “But as for why I'm here, there are a couple reasons. You see, I was recently invited to a meeting between gods. Many of them. And they came to an interesting decision.”

The young immortal nodded at Lucian. “It seems your brother is a bit popular among the gods. The females, especially. I can definitely see why.”

“Eh?” Emilia’s hand stopped just before the pastry reached her mouth. “Prince Lucian is popular?”

“That's the only reasonable conclusion, considering their decision.”

“What did they decide?”

“To allow a little outside help.” The young immortal pointed to himself. “In other words, me.”

“You're going to help us?” Emilia scanned him for a weapon but saw none. “How strong are you?”

“Strong. But at the same time, not strong enough.” He waved his hand dismissively. “But I didn't come here to fight anyone. I'm just here to provide a bit of assistance for what's to come.”

“And what is coming?” Lucian asked. “A battle against the god's acolyte?”

“Yes, Emperor Marek. Or at least, that’s the name he goes by in this world. It’s not much different from you, Lucian. But unlike you, that man isn't known for his patience, so those of us watching from above knew exactly what was coming. Or should I say, we knew that he was coming. To battle you.”

“He's on the way here? How long do we have until he arrives? Days? Weeks?”

“That's the thing. With his power, he could arrive in a couple days if he left his castle right now. And that's exactly what he was going to do.”

“Flora gave her word that the empire would retreat for the rest of the warring season. But I suppose Emperor Marek can override such promises.”

The young immortal nodded. “Exactly. And he wanted to, knowing he could defeat you easily because of the difference in your strength.”

“Is he really that strong?”

“Death Knight Flora was almost a match for your whole party. And she's far weaker than Emperor Marek. If he showed up right now, you'd be screwed. Well, I could beat him again, but I'm not allowed to fight your battles for you.”

“Again?”

“Oops~” The young immortal smirked, showing that his comment wasn't actually a slip up. “Anyway, the gods came to a decision. Since Flora promised to stay away until next warring season, they've extended that restriction to Emperor Marek. That gives you about 10 months to get stronger. And you'll need every one of them if you want to win.”

“Ten months. I've been here four months and have gotten far stronger than I could have imagined before my reincarnation. With ten more, I'm sure I can gain the strength I need.”

“Maybe. But he's not going to sit idle, either. He gets stronger every single day, just like you. Actually, you spend so much time doing administrative work that there are days you don't really grow at all.”

Lucian nodded. “Yes, but I can't leave the people of my kingdom to suffer. I need to fix this country, even as I get stronger.”

“That's why the Goddess gave you a leveling system that incorporates helping your kingdom as a way for you to grow. Actually, Emperor Marek is the same. You’re both playing by the same rules, after all.”

Lucian had a distant look in his eyes. “So that's why the Esgares Empire has been expanding so aggressively. He's gaining his own levels by completing quests, just like me.”

“Bingo. He also had a six-month head start on you, hence why he's so much stronger. That was the reason the gods had for this ceasefire, to even the playing field. Though in truth, they really just want to watch an interesting battle for control of this world. Nobody would have any fun if they knew you'd just get stomped, right?”

“I suppose…” Lucian was a bit mystified that the gods were treating the struggle for his world like it were a television show.

It makes sense, Lucian thought. Considering the Goddess' personality, it's not surprising that the others would be just as whimsical.

“But why did you come here?” Mia asked, getting even closer to the main subject. “You could have told us all of this telepathically.”

“Because it's way more fun to be here in person.” He smiled. “Now, how about that empty room down the hall? I think it'd be a comfy place to stay while I'm here.”

“You're staying? For how long?”

“Not sure. But long enough to need a room.”

Lucian looked between his companions. Each of them had become important to him in his new life, so any help that would ensure their survival in the battle against the god's acolyte was a welcome gift.

“Alright. I'll order the maids to prepare it.”

“Awesome. This sidequest is going to be really interesting.”

And so, the young immortal joined Lucian's entourage. For how long, only he and the gods knew.