Adam, Leon, and Lyra walked onto the empty field, the last vestiges of the dungeon gone. Knights rushed towards them, Marcus among them. "Did you defeat the dungeon boss?" Marcus asked, his voice filled with urgency.
"Yes, we have," Adam confirmed, his gaze briefly lingering on Emily, who stood among the knights. He noted, with a pang, that there was no flicker of recognition in her eyes. Gaining favor here would be the fastest way to access the kingdom's hierarchy and hopefully find a way to reach her.
"For saving not just our lives, but the lives of the kingdom, we are indebted to you," Marcus declared, bowing. He noted their foreign attire. "I am Marcus of the Royal Knights. My knights are the strongest in the kingdom, and we were tasked with this mission, though we knew it was likely suicide."
Adam introduced Leon as his knight and Lyra as his noble companion. Marcus's eyes widened in shock at the idea of a noble possessing such strength. He welcomed them and offered to escort them to the King. As they walked, Adam purposely stayed near Emily, hoping the Kirin's mana signature would spark a memory. Nothing happened.
Lyra, communicating telepathically, theorized that Adam's mother's direct encounter with the Kirin might have established a stronger mana connection, which was then extended to Adam's father through physical contact. There was no clear understanding yet of how the Kirin's mana specifically connected memories across worlds. Adam wondered if a direct touch to his heart might work for Emily, but Lyra was less optimistic, citing the unique circumstances of his parents' reunion.
Emily glanced at Adam for a second, then quickly looked away. As they passed injured adventurers being tended to, Emily excused herself and, with a few soldiers, began carrying the wounded back. Marcus allowed her, and they continued towards the kingdom gates.
Audience with the King
They were met with cheers from adventurers and residents alike, all grateful for their salvation. The group proceeded directly to the Royal Palace for an audience with the King. Everyone knelt before King Arthur III, a sluggish man in his thirties with cunning eyes. An advisor whispered into his ear.
The King's gaze fell on Adam, bypassing the knights entirely. He grabbed Adam's hands. "You're a noble from the Kingdom of Damarsh! Welcome to our kingdom. I expect no less from our nobility and royal bloodline to be stronger than low-class humans."
Adam felt an immediate sense of unease at the King's behavior.
"I am King Arthur the Third," he announced, then quickly dismissed the knights, inviting Adam and Lyra to join him for dinner. He cast a lustful glance at Lyra.
"Thank you for your hospitality," Adam replied, trying to maintain his composure. "However, I would request that my knight, Leon, join us."
Arthur scoffed. "The food prepared is just enough for folks like us. Your servants can stand at the side to watch us."
Lyra, communicating silently with Adam, informed him that the previous ruler, Arthur II, was a strong leader. The current ruler, however, was merely a temporary King, holding the position while his older brother, the rightful heir, was on a mission. Adam decided to play along, eager to discern the King's true intentions for inviting him.
Adam is now facing a potentially dangerous situation with King Arthur III, who seems to be an arrogant and lustful ruler.