The six nobles didn't utter a word.
They acted as if Krang and Encrid didn't exist.
"Wait quietly. Don't speak unless asked. Keep your head down, avoid eye contact, and answer with sincerity when questioned. If the Queen summons you, step forward and kneel on one knee before responding."
During this, Viscount of Bentra approached and spoke. Encrid nodded without showing any sign of disgust.
Only someone who wasn't a beast or hadn't trained their sensory arts would find it hard to catch that kind of stench.
It seemed like Viscount of Bentra was in charge of handling the dirty work, as the others kept their distance.
Encrid, suddenly concerned, asked,
"Are you being ostracized?"
Were the other nobles deliberately giving him all the difficult tasks?
If so, should Encrid dangle some incentive like Jaxon might?
The Viscount of Bentra didn't even blink at his question.
He had remarkable composure. Not a single crack in his demeanor.
Did Count Molsen have a good eye for people?
Between the wide sleeves, trained muscles on his arms were visible.
He was clearly someone who had handled a sword. His calloused hands told the same story. They were much like Encrid's own, hands that had gripped a sword despite being torn and battered.
"Watch your tongue."
Viscount of Bentra warned, continuing in a tone that suggested caution. Encrid just shrugged in response.
Perhaps this conversation was refreshing for some, as two of the nobles turned their attention.
However, no one spoke to him.
As they waited a little longer, a few nobles began to whisper. They covered their mouths, leaning close to each other.
They probably thought Encrid couldn't hear them, but thanks to his honed senses, he could.
When he focused, their conversation became clear.
"He's way below our level."
"I heard his skills are on par with a Junior-Knight."
"Did they bring him here as a recommendation for the Knighthood? Maybe we should thank him for watching our backs this far."
"Look at the state of the guy they brought in as one of their own."
"At least he's got a face suited for rolling under some noblewoman's skirt."
If Rem had overheard, would he have split their heads open with his axe?
He had always had a quiet disdain for such noble scum.
But Encrid didn't care. It wasn't the first time he'd heard such talk.
Whatever anyone said could easily be ignored.
As Encrid half-listened to the nobles' conversation, he glanced over at Krang, who stood stoically.
His posture was steady, though his expression made it seem as if he were lounging with crossed arms, leaning on one leg.
The Queen soon appeared.
"Her Majesty the Queen arrives!"
Of course, she wasn't alone. Accompanied by her royal guards, they entered and took their places at the door of the audience chamber and the door through which the Queen entered.
Were the golden tips on the spearheads her personal preference?
That thought randomly crossed his mind.
Surely not. It must have been a display of authority. The Royal Guard doubled as a ceremonial unit, so naturally, they were armed with such gilded weaponry.
The golden helmets and spears would certainly make for an impressive sight during inspections.
Curiosity briefly flickered in his mind, but he quickly brushed it aside. What did it matter?
"Is it you?"
The Queen spoke directly to Encrid as soon as she arrived.
She seemed more like a warm, jovial woman than someone who ruled a nation.
Encrid was reminded of an older tavern maid who had looked after him in his youth.
One was a ruler of a nation.
The other had served beer.
Their statuses were worlds apart, and they didn't even resemble each other, but Encrid found a subtle similarity in their demeanor.
"Bow your head."
Viscount Bentra scolded from the side, as if rebuking him.
Should he have obeyed?
"Leave him be."
The Queen interjected.
She looked at Encrid's face for a moment before speaking.
"A pleasant appearance."
It wasn't in a way that suggested she desired him, but rather a simple, genuine compliment of his looks.
Encrid had no response to that.
He couldn't exactly say, "The Queen is quite generous", now could he?
In truth, the Queen wasn't exactly thin or frail.
She had a moderate build and wore a tiara that symbolized the crown on her head.
And next to her, there was a familiar face—or rather, a familiar Frog.
Gurrrk.
The Frog puffed up its cheeks for a moment. Was that its way of smiling?
Encrid greeted it with a nod of his eyes.
This was Luagarne, who had been with him when he acquired the nameless Correct Sword Technique, who helped him train in the Correct Sword Technique, and who got riled up every time they encountered Cultists.
"Do you not know any manners?"
One of the nobles remarked again. That alone was enough to show how little respect they had for the Queen's authority. Even though the Queen had given her permission, the fact that a mere noble was stepping in showed the disarray.
Encrid noticed but chose to let it slide.
"We've gathered to confirm whether you truly bear the royal blood. State your name."
The Queen, seemingly oblivious to the noble's comment, turned her gaze to Krang.
Encrid didn't even have the chance to step forward and kneel.
The Queen smoothly changed the subject, and that was the real point. Naturally, the noble couldn't continue questioning Encrid either.
The focus shifted away from Encrid. Krang stepped forward.
The noble who had glared at Encrid now directed his ire toward Krang.
He was a spineless man. If he had chosen to show hostility, he shouldn't have shifted his gaze so easily.
Encrid observed Krang as he stepped forward.
There was something about his stride.
It wasn't too fast or too slow, but steady and dignified. As Krang walked and lifted his gaze to meet the Queen's, there was a sense that, despite being physically below the throne, he was meeting her on equal ground.
He exuded such an aura of authority and confidence.
Even though his clothes were dusty from travel, and his hair was disheveled from the lack of a proper wash, none of that mattered.
He possessed dignity and presence.
"Kdianath Rangdias Naurill, here I am."
Krang spoke, his voice resounding through the chamber. The sound echoed off the walls of the audience hall, creating a reverberation that seemed to shake the entire room.
"Come here."
At the Queen's command, an old woman, draped in a long, flowing robe, stepped forward from behind her.
She took a pendant from Krang and compared it to something in her hand.
"It matches."
There was also some incantation to verify Krang's bloodline during the process.
Encrid simply watched.
"It is true. You are of my bloodline. I recognize you in the name of the Queen. If there are any objections, the ministers may speak now."
The group of nobles didn't say anything further.
But their eyes spoke.
'Yes, as if we didn't already know he's of the Queen's blood.'
'It's the old King's bad habits that led to this.'
They knew everything already.
When they had gone so far as to send a set of assassins, what difference would it make to question Krang's legitimacy now?
They even brought out a pendant engraved with the royal crest, and a wizard had confirmed it.
It felt like watching a prearranged play.
After that, the Queen excused herself, saying she was busy with official duties.
The ministers quickly dispersed as well.
Somehow, Krang and Encrid were the last to leave the audience chamber.
The nobles ignored them, looking at Krang and Encrid as if they were invisible.
Not a single glance was given as they left.
Even the one who had questioned their manners didn't say another word.
As they exited the audience chamber, Encrid finally spoke.
It wasn't really his business, but the atmosphere seemed odd.
"They don't seem to care at all."
A new succession had been acknowledged, and authority had been shown, yet none of the nobles seemed even slightly interested in Krang.
"There are no nobles here who acknowledge me. Only those who wish to see me dead."
Understanding Krang's hidden meaning, Encrid asked,
"So they think there's no point in talking to someone who's going to die soon?"
"Practical people, aren't they?"
Krang chuckled.
Was it really appropriate to laugh about something that could cost him his life?
The dignity he had shown earlier was gone, replaced with a mischievous grin.
Encrid, concerned, said,
"Don't get too close to Rem."
"As I keep saying, you're the craziest one in my eyes."
"I mean it, try not to talk to Rem too much."
You've been influenced. Definitely influenced.
As they stepped outside the audience chamber, they heard a voice.
"Enki."
It was the Frog, Luagarne, calling out to Encrid.
"How have you been?"
With those words, the Frog brought its hand down vertically, in a chopping motion.
Encrid raised his hand to block, already aware of the Frog's movement.
A trick.
What mattered more than the downward strike was the footwork. The Frog's foot pressed against the ground, sliding smoothly across the well-laid carpet as it closed the distance.
It was a ploy to close the gap.
Encrid's 'Trapping Sword' instinctively activated.
His hand moved to intercept as the Frog's slick hand twisted and darted, stabbing and striking in quick succession. Encrid blocked every move.
Because of the Frog's slippery skin, deflecting the attacks was easier.
In the first place, this was just a playful exchange, lacking any intent to harm or serious aggression.
The two soldiers guarding the front of the audience chamber watched them closely, their eyes gleaming.
The level of their playful sparring was clearly high.
"If we fought now, I'd lose. You've improved a lot."
Luagarne expressed his admiration. Puffing her cheeks with a 'gurrrk' sound, she spoke with sincerity.
It was exactly as she said.
Indeed, with such improvement, even if the Cultists had attacked, he could have crushed their skulls.
Remembering that made her feel even better, and two more 'gurrrk' sounds escaped from her cheeks.
"Is this behavior appropriate in front of the Prince?"
Encrid asked.
"No one asks the Frog to mind their manners."
Came the reply.
"I agree."
Krang added, then turned to Encrid and asked,
"You know each other?"
"She's the Frog who came to the Border Guard once."
Encrid replied quickly, but Luagarne, cheeks still puffed, spoke up.
"Are we so casual that you'd speak of our relationship so lightly?"
"And what should I say?"
"Didn't I teach you the sword and fight alongside you? We also went on a relic expedition together, nearly getting trapped inside."
"It would take a while to tell the whole story."
Krang commented with a well-timed interjection.
"Yes, it would."
Encrid agreed, before asking,
"By the way, where has everyone gone?"
Encrid looked around, nodding, as he asked the question.
Not a single one of their companions was in sight.
Had a Knight jumped out and captured them all?
Even if that were the case, they wouldn't have gone quietly.
And they weren't the kind to simply rest when told to do so, even if ordered to relax in the palace.
Despite Encrid's thoughts, the two Royal Guards watching the group, including Luagarne, looked increasingly perplexed.
Why was this Encrid fellow speaking so casually to the Prince, yet being more formal with the Frog?
And why was no one questioning it?
"I always knew you'd make it here, Captain."
A sudden voice rang out, making Encrid turn in its direction.
"Hm?"
He was genuinely surprised. He hadn't expected to run into someone else he knew here, aside from Marcus or Luagarne.
And if someone else did show up, he hadn't anticipated it would be anyone he had good ties with.
"You."
"Addressing a noble with 'you'—how improper."
The other person said with a playful smile.
"And here I am, a Prince."
Krang interjected.
"Yes, Your Highness, have you been well?"
"Thanks to you."
The exchange was brief, taking place in just a few words.
"Shall we move? I've invited everyone to my estate."
The familiar face suggested.
"Andrew."
Encrid said, recognizing him.
"Andrew Gardner, a noble."
He confirmed.
"And I'm the Prince."
Krang quipped.
"Your Highness, have you always enjoyed making jokes like this?"
Andrew blinked as he spoke.
To Encrid, it seemed like Krang and Andrew knew each other. And he was right.
Andrew had dreamed of restoring his family's fortunes, and rather than aligning with the established factions, he had chosen to bet his family's fate on someone else.
That someone was Krang.
Since parting ways with Encrid, Andrew had gone through his own adventures—or perhaps misadventures—and ended up here.
Now, Andrew Gardner had become a baron and proudly owned a house in the Capital.
"I'm surprised."
Encrid said in his usual tone.
"You don't look the least bit surprised."
Andrew replied.
"I really am."
Encrid insisted.
"So, will you stay at Baron Gardner's estate?"
Luagarne chimed in, asking before Encrid could respond. Andrew answered first.
"Please do. It'll be better than staying at an inn."
There was no reason to refuse.
"See you later, then. I've got a lot of work to do."
Luagarne said, waving her round fingers in a loose imitation of a human farewell.
Encrid waved back in return.
"We'll talk more as we go. What about you, Krang?"
Andrew asked.
"I have to stay in the palace. There's a party in a few days to celebrate my return, and there's much to prepare."
A party. It wasn't exactly Encrid's idea of fun.
Before Encrid could reply, Krang turned and walked away.
Encrid watched Andrew closely, realizing just how much his friend had matured.
The stubble on his face had thickened, and there was a scar under his right eye that hadn't been there before.
He was on his own now, without needing a nanny.
As they had to disarm upon entering the palace, Andrew was also unarmed.
"What about Mac?"
Encrid asked.
"He's at the estate."
Perhaps Mac had stopped being a nanny and taken on the role of a butler.
"Alright, let's go."
* * *
Andrew summarized his recent life in a straightforward manner.
"I risked my life on a mission, reclaimed my noble title, and now that I'm here, the pushback has been no joke. I'm still in the middle of this adventure."
There was no need to dig into the details of that 'adventure'.
It seemed he had managed to gather enough funds over time, as while his estate didn't have a garden, it was still a proper house in the Capital.
It was a three-story building.
The first floor had a reception room and a dining area, and the second floor was filled with rooms—more than ten in total.
It was a large and spacious house.
When they arrived, they saw Rem and the rest of their group.
"Well, well, Andrew, you've really made it big."
Rem said, munching on some sweets in the middle of the reception room.
The Capital was the hub of logistics, and naturally, its food culture had flourished—especially the dessert culture.
Rem nodded as he chewed.
"Rem's still the same."
Andrew commented from behind.
Esther was dozing off on a wool cushion, while the rest of the group was loosely gathered in the reception room.
Ragna stood by the window, and outside, a few men were seen training with wooden clubs.
"Are those soldiers?"
Encrid asked.
"It's forbidden to own private soldiers within the Capital."
Andrew replied.
"Then who are they?"
"They're students learning swordsmanship from me."
"From who?"
"From me."
Andrew said.
"Who?"
Rem asked, still munching on his snack.
"What are you teaching them?"
Ragna added, turning his head to inquire.
Jaxon said nothing but silently observed Andrew.
"If you see how much my skills have improved, you'll be shocked."
Andrew said confidently.
Encrid nodded. It made sense. Of course, he would have improved.
From what Encrid could tell, Andrew had a natural talent.
"Yeah, I'm sure you've gotten better."
Encrid's voice lacked a certain energy.
Andrew noticed and gave a faint smile. His lips curled up, but his eyes didn't show the same joy. While Encrid had accomplished great things, Andrew had also overcome his own formidable challenges.
"Want a sparring match?"
Andrew suggested first.
Encrid nodded again.
Despite all the things Andrew had done—welcoming him, inviting him, and introducing him to the Queen—nothing sounded more welcoming than this offer.
"You sure you're okay with getting beat up and crying in front of your students?"
Encrid teased, concerned for his old comrade.
"Screw it, bring it on."
Andrew retorted, gritting his teeth.