NOVEL NEXT Chapter 11: Chapter 11: Klein
In the Great Hall
Richard met Arthur and formally signed the new agreement, solidifying their revised relationship. As part of the deal, Arthur dispatched 300 soldiers—most of whom were skilled mages—along with a sum of 300,000 gold to aid the Dukedom. Without delay, Richard and the soldiers departed the palace, beginning their journey back to the Dukedom.
…
In the King's Chambers
After the meeting, Arthur retreated to his chambers. He threw himself into the bed, staring at the ceiling above, exhaustion etched into his features.
'At full speed, Richard should reach his Dukedom in about five days,' Arthur thought.
A bitter sigh escaped his lips. 'I wish I could have been born as a merchant's son… or anyone other than a king. Managing a small shop or estate would be far easier than governing an entire nation. I could have lived comfortably, using my knowledge of Earth to run a useful business."
He paused, lost in his musings, but the weight of reality pulled him back.
Arthur glanced at the clock. The gilded hands pointed to 4 p.m. Right on cue, his valet entered the room, silently putting a stack of papers Arthur had requested before slipping out again. Arthur pushed himself upright and approached his desk, the weight of his new responsibilities settling over him like an invisible shroud.
As he sifted through the documents, Arthur reflected on his time since arriving in this world. Three days. Three days since his transmigration, and he had not stepped foot outside the palace. Most of his time had been spent drafting plans for the future—blueprints meant to guide the Duke and to improve the nation.
'This isn't enough,' Arthur muttered, frustration seeping into his voice. 'I can't rely on books and theories alone. To understand this world—to truly make a difference—I need to see it for myself. I also can't blindly add rule and system I know from earth here in this world with magic and knight or it is likely to fail'
Arthur ran a hand through his hair as the thought solidified in his mind. Books might offer knowledge, but they were often written through the lens of the privileged. They failed to capture the true struggles of the common folk—those at the bottom of society's ladder. The poorest of the poor had no voice in these times, and Arthur knew that if he was to rule wisely, he needed to learn from the people themselves.
'I need to leave the palace,' he whispered to himself, determination hardening his resolve. 'I need to see what life is like beyond these walls.'
Arthur raised his voice, calling out, "Valet!"
Moments later, the valet appeared in the doorway. "Your Highness, do you need something?"
"Yes. Summon the guard captain, Klein, to my chambers. I need to discuss some matters with him," Arthur ordered, his tone leaving no room for questions.
"Yes, Your Highness. I will inform Captain Klein immediately." The valet bowed again and swiftly exited.
Arthur leaned back in his chair, his mind drifting to Klein. While Arthur's reputation had fallen, Klein's loyalty had never wavered. The guard captain had been raised to his position by Arthur's late father, King Arthur III, who had once saved Klein's family from certain death when Klein was just a twelve years old boy. That act of mercy had forged an unshakable bond of loyalty. Even after the former king's death, Klein continued to serve Arthur with the same dedication, despite the younger king's bad choices and tarnished name.
Thus Arthur trusted Klein that he would not betray him.
Still, Arthur's unease lingered. He remembered all too well the failed assassination attempt that had led to his transmigration into this body. That lingering icy cold feeling clung to him like a phantom.
"If someone tried to kill me once, they might try again," Arthur mused darkly. "I need to remain vigilant."
Suddenly, there was a sharp knock on the door. Arthur turned toward the sound as both the valet and Captain Klein entered the room.
"Your Majesty, I have brought Captain Klein, as per your request," the valet announced, bowing before quietly exiting, leaving the two alone.
Klein stood at attention, his tall, broad frame casting a commanding presence. Dressed in polished armor, with his hand resting casually on the hilt of his sword, the man exuded confidence and discipline.
"Your Majesty," Klein greeted with a respectful nod, his voice low and steady. "What is it that you require of me?"
Arthur rose from his seat, folding his arms as he approached Klein.
"Klein, tomorrow I intend to leave the palace. I will be visiting both the outskirts and the center of Eldoria."
Klein's brow furrowed slightly. "What is your reason, Your Majesty?"
Arthur paused, holding Klein's gaze. "I need to see the kingdom for myself—how the people live, what they endure. Books and reports tell me nothing of their real struggles. This journey is not for leisure. It's to understand the truth about my nation."
Klein remained silent for a moment, as though weighing the words. Arthur continued, his voice firm. "However, I will not be traveling as a king. I will go incognito. To avoid suspicion, I want only two guards to accompany me, and no one else must know of this trip."
"Two guards, Your Majesty?" Klein's tone held a trace of hesitation. "With all due respect, it is my duty to protect you. Such a small escort could—"
Arthur cut him off. "I know the risks, Klein. But I cannot draw attention. Word can't spread that I'm leaving the palace. I trust you above anyone else. I need you to select two men—guards you trust with your life—and assign them a false mission. Except for the valet, no one, not even the palace staff, must know the truth."
"Your Majesty, as you command. I will personally select the guards and ensure they understand the importance of discretion."
Arthur allowed a small, appreciative smile. "Thank you"
Without another word, Klein turned and exited the room, leaving Arthur alone once more.
…
Outside the King's Chamber
Klein strode down the dimly lit corridors of the palace, his mind swirling with thoughts. The Arthur he had spoken to just now felt… different. The arrogance and recklessness that had once defined the young king seemed to have vanished. Instead, there was purpose in his words—an unfamiliar resolve that unsettled Klein, but in a good way.
'He's changing,' Klein thought to himself as he passed a line of guards standing at attention. 'That was not the Arthur I once knew.'
'Maybe… just maybe, he can become the king this nation needs,' Klein mused. 'Even better than my lord King Arthur III.'
Reaching the barracks, Klein called for his two most trusted guards—veterans who had served with him for years. He assigned them their new "mission," ensuring they understood the necessity of absolute secrecy.
"Tomorrow," Klein told them sternly, "you are not to speak of your orders to anyone. You will follow His Majesty and protect him with your lives. Do you understand?"
The guards saluted in unison. "Yes, Captain!"
As Klein dismissed them, he paused, glancing toward the palace's eastern windows, where the faint glow of twilight marked the horizon.
"If Arthur is serious about this, then I will do everything in my power to ensure his safety. I owe that much to King Arthur III."
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not part of the story.
When I let GPT review my story, the feedback said I put too many emotion/reaction at the end of each line when speaking so I switch and make their reaction less. If you like the old way please tell me in the comment. But as of now I will follow the GPT feedback Thanks.