◈ The Saviour Embarks on a Nameless Journey
Chapter 2: The king and the former king.
“It’s obvious if you just take a look, but there is no way I can go out with this appearance. It would cause mayhem after all.”
Currently, I’m explaining the situation to King Shandor and the former King Shation, with both of their semi-transparent images floating in the air via the farsight conversation orb. My appearance should be floating in front of them too.
Standing in front of the deep red and heavy curtains were Shandor Bloodheart Shurel, and Shation Bloodheart Shurel. The blood relatives of the hero Shat.
The former king Shation happens to be Shato’s nephew, and when we were out to subjugate the demon lord, he was only but ten years old. When I think about it, seeing his face now with hair starting to turn gray and a beard marked with wrinkles is deeply moving.
Perhaps he had already heard some of the circumstances from prior communication before starting the call, as he wasn’t particularly surprised and listened silently to what I had to say from the beginning.
Although the 50th-anniversary party for the defeat of the Demon King was initiated by Lord Shation, the announcement and invitations were issued in the name of King Shandor.
I’ve had some interactions with Lord Shation, and my daughter has married King Shandor to become the queen. Although it is a strange situation, I feel more at ease with him than with the other high-ranking nobles.
“Lord Suirun…”
King Shandor called in a dignified manner.
“That must be the Goddess’ will.”
“Indeed.”
It is likely that my son and Bart didn’t ask many questions because they sensed the presence of the goddess behind it all.
Ever since the Demon King’s subjugation fifty years ago, the goddess has increasingly spoken to people and shown them the way. The divine revelations from the goddess range from those that are clear and easy to understand to those whose meanings cannot be grasped by humans until they come to pass.
“Well then, I cannot be stopped.”
The king declared.
Suirun Sword Aster, 75 years old. The Sword of the Hero’s party who stood against the Demon King.
50 years after the defeat of the demon king now, it’s understandable that the king is concerned. In terms of combat, my strength in old age is comparable to that of the Knight Commander—about on par with my eldest son.
It has been a long time since we defeated the Demon King and the monsters actively attacking towns ceased, but there are still many monsters quietly rooted in lands where people do not tread, or within towns. It’s a dangerous world for solo travelers.
From the king’s point of view, he is stronger in convincing someone to stay, but weaker in sending them on a solo journey without worry. However, I have probably returned the strength I had around this apparent age.
—Over the years, materials from monsters have been utilized and incorporated into human daily life. Humans would be troubled if demons went extinct; I thought while observing the silent king, realizing this thought has nothing to do with the current topic.
The people who participate in the demon king’s subjugation would need to stay within the reach of the royal family, or else they’d not be very welcomed. Although, I suppose it’s about time for this old man who’s about 70 years old to retire and step down from his duties.
Furthermore, if I, having regained my appearance from the time of the Demon King’s subjugation, were to wander near the royal capital, it could divide the loyalty between the royal family and myself, which would not be a good thing. I’ve known that ever since we came back from the subjugation.
Marius, who served as a healer had entered the temple and distanced himself from other worldly affairs, while Elaine retired to the forest without any delay. Although I am a retired margrave as well, I am still the closest to the core of the kingdom.
If Shato, who held the royal family’s blood, made it safe back home, things might’ve been different. It’s a troublesome position, not being able to act solely based on personal goodwill or feelings. Immediately after I received the margrave title, I had to socialize with these so called nobles, and it was absolutely enraging.
That’s why I’m having this conversation and fulfilling my duties. Well, there’s still more nuisances on top of that.
“I, Shation, have a word for you before you leave on your journey.”
The king, wearing a troubled expression, opened his mouth to speak.
“What shall it be?”
I continued to listen whilst feeling that it would be a troublesome thing.
“Before you depart, please show me your equipment from the time of the demon king’s subjugation!!”
“You fool!”
I unconsciously raised my voice infront of the former king. I saw it coming somehow, but you, have some dignity!
“I want to see it! Absolutely! With my power, I order…”
“Father…!”
“How noisy!”
A man nearing sixty started throwing a tantrum and is being admonished by his son, the king.
Lord Shation abdicated the throne to the current king Shandor just last year. In this country, it is a tradition for the king to pass down the crown to the next era once they reach the age of 60.
“Ah, Lord Shation is as healthy as ever.”
“It might be better to cancel the 50th anniversary party of the demon king’s subjugation for the sake of the former king’s dignity.”
I can’t look behind, but I’m pretty sure I’m being stared at from faraway by Edel and Bart.
“ ‘After all, we love the Sword King Suirun very much.’ “
Stop harmonizing behind my back!
“I want to see it! I really do!! The Sword King from the Golden Age!!”
“FATHEEEEEER!!! Grand Chamberlain, cut off the orb!!”
“Oh dear, are you throwing a tantrum yet again?”
Just as I thought I heard the leisurely voice of former Queen Eldie from off-screen, the voice and image abruptly cut off, and the walls of the office I had passed down to my son came into clear view.
What kind of suffering has the former Queen Eldie put him through? The problem is, I can roughly imagine it based on experiences and stuff I’ve seen in the past.
“He was called a wise lord in the past…”
I unconsciously stared into the distance.
I earnestly hope for Lord Shation to be able to suppress his feelings and maintain the dignity of royalty.
