The knight bowed his head, hands clasped tightly behind him as if he was trying to restrain himself.
Then, without a word, he walked toward the knights being held down. As he approached, a guard moved back, relinquishing his spot to the knight.
He drew his sword, stood behind one of the offenders, ready and waiting for Koul's orders.
Koul's lips curved into a proud smirk, his eyes sweeping over the task screen he had made appear.
0:09:00
Just 9 mins more.
He lifted his gaze, looking on with a proud smile.
"You've chosen well," he said to the knight.
"Now, raise your swords!" He commanded and they did as told.
He raised his hand like he had done previously, letting it hang mid-air.
The knight and guards waited with intense focus for Koul to bring down his hand as a go ahead to decapitate the offenders. But Koul left his hand hanging, showing no sign of bringing it down.
He simply gazed down at them, seemingly observing them.
He wanted to see if the knight that was unwilling to heed his words really had a change of heart. A test to see if he'd be willing to decapitate them on his command.
But seeing the knight's stern face and how serious he gripped his sword, it was clear he'd do it.
Tsk!
Koul retracted his hand, surprising the people.
"Since you have made the right decision and pleased my heart, I will reward you," he said.
Making the knight bend to my will without any force should already complete the task. Because that shows my authority and power.
However, I still need to wield it.
"Now, instead of decapitating them, I will lessen their punishment."
Murmurs rose from this. People exchanging glances. And there was a slight sigh of relief from the knights and guards.
"Sheath back your swords. Demote the guards to mere labourers. Let them work in the stable and tend to the horses," Koul declared loud and clear.
I'm pretty sure there's a stable. I'm a king, after all.
Even I have watched a lot of movies about royalty, so this much, I should be able.
The knight and guards bowed.
"As you wish, your majesty," they said.
And just as they did—
[Ding!]
[Host has completed the task: Wield your authority and power in a way befitting of your title: 2/2]
Phew! Finally!
The guards started dragging away the offenders while the knight remained behind.
"Thank you, your highness," he bowed, showing his gratitude.
Koul dragged his eyes away from the knight, resting it on the multitude.
"One more thing!" He yelled, drawing everyone's attention, including the guards dragging away the offenders.
"Let no single word of me coming out of my isolation slip!" He started. "Not to anyone that isn't present here. Not to my brother or even the council elders!"
"Is that clear?" He asked and they all chorused their response loud and clear.
"Yes, your majesty!"
"Good. You can all leave now."
With that, Koul turned swiftly, blowing back his garment as he walked off majestically.
All the tasks should be completed now.
"Task."
The task screen appeared.
<
<
Well, aside from the second one that shows a dash at the end.
I don't even understand that. Does it mean I should survive as many times as I can? That my death attempts are in some way, infinite?
But, Koul paused in the hallway. It says 'throughout the day'. And it's already evening, almost nighttime. Plus, the time limit has exhausted.
So the task should be over anytime soon. I guess I'll just keep an eye out for any attempts at my life out of mere instinct to survive.
He resumed walking, the system floating by his side.
"Oh yeah, how many brothers do I have?" He asked.
[Two brothers, host. And one sister.]
Ah, so I have a sister.
"The one coming to take my place tomorrow, is he my older brother or my younger brother?" He continued with his question.
[Older or younger brother?] The system repeated in a tone of sarcasm.
"What?" Koul asked, staring blankly at it.
[There's no younger for you, host. You're the youngest of the siblings.]
Oh!
Then how am I the king? By the customs and traditions of this world, perhaps?
[Host, if you're wondering how you became the king despite being the youngest, then I'll tell you.]
Oh, by all means do, 'cause I'm curious.
[It's all because of your father, the late king. He put you as his successor.]
"Why? Why me when there are my older brothers and sister?"
Did they not qualify? Am I special? Do I possess something extraordinary?
No you don't! He heard his subconscious mess shun.
[No one can really answer that, host. After all, it was his decision so he alone knew the reason behind it. But if we should guess, everyone thinks it's because you're the closest to him in nature.]
Koul's brow twitched, already knowing where the conversation was heading.
"And what do you mean by that?" He asked, lightly annoyed already.
[The previous king was like you. Selfish, a tyrant, wicked and always misused his authority. So, when he died and you became his successor, rumors spread that it's because you're both birds of the same feathers.]
Well… what can I even say?
Doesn't this mean my 'scummy' character has long since been approved by my father? In a way, it means I can continue acting however I want.
And somehow…. it feels good to know.
Koul also asked the system to tell him about his kingdom. And from there, he found out he was the king of a small kingdom at the edge of the blessed land of Munrhal.
Although his kingdom wasn't as vast as every other kingdom out there, he was well known. Not for good deeds that spread fame and goodness in one's name, but rather, for the foolish ways he abused his power and authority.
He was a young boy like every other out there who didn't know the weight of what he carried. Where nobles forged alliances and friendships, he sowed only bitterness and bred enemies.
His rule had been nothing short of a tyrant, but one they considered foolish for he was lacking in wisdom.
Neighboring kingdoms bear nothing but grudge toward him. Rumors of his wickedness and foolishness had long since spread like wildfire ever since he inherited the throne from his late father.
Although his father wasn't any better in his regime, he wasn't as extreme as Yuval. And till now, the cause of the late king's death, his father, still hadn't been determined.
Whether he died from a natural cause, or murder remains unknown.
Koul retired for the day after having his dinner and his wounds treated with magic. He made sure to lock his doors and windows properly before sleeping.
And the next day, the loud bangings at his door stirred him from sleep. Had it not been for that, he'd have continued sleeping into late noon.
"Speak!" He yelled from his chamber, too lazy to rise and open the door.
"The young master and the council elders have arrived. They are currently in the council chambers about to discuss things."
Koul's drowsiness immediately wiped clear. He bounced up on his bed, a smile stretching across his lips.
"Finally! Shall I go announce my presence?"