Is what Koul would really have loved to voice out but… he couldn't. He knew he couldn't.
"And… for all this, tell me, will you judge it just before your eyes?"
Not really what I intended to say, but…. it'll do.
Koul stared at the king, a little smile blossoming on his face.
Common old man, speak! No matter how bad you are, I'm sure you would like to maintain a good image.
King Sestrus' eyes squinted at Koul, his smile never wavering. He stared silently at him for a while, as if he knew everything that was going on inside Koul's mind.
"Truly, it cannot be judged as just," he finally replied.
Bam!
"You amuse me with how much you've grown."
Tsk! Don't try to deviate from the topic, old man!
"In both wisdom and courage. I'm starting to believe your father wasn't wrong in handling you the throne. Though I still think your older brothers would've done a far better job."
Tch! Just apologize.
"Alright! I will let today's incident go because there's also been a mistake from my part. But, do well to advise your toy to keep her eyes on the road while walking," king Sestrus said, patting Koul on the shoulder.
Koul's countenance fell woefully. His heart was both aching and boiling.
Why? Because he was weak. He knew he was weak.
He wanted nothing more than to put king Sestrus in his place. But he knew he couldn't do that. And it wasn't king Sestrus' fault or anyone's but his himself.
At his current state, he could do nothing than end up with penalties from the judges. Aside from that, he wasn't even strong.
Should a war break out between his kingdom and king Sestrus', he couldn't contribute anything. Not strength, nor wisdom.
As long as he continued to be bound by the system and the judges, he was as good as useless.
Knowing all this, Koul could only swallow his pride and anger with a heavy heart.
Without another word, he turned swiftly to his few maids behind him and ordered.
"Prepare a small banquet to honor his arrival. I will be joining."
The maids bowed, acknowledging his order.
"Then, lead them to the rooms you've prepared for them."
With that, king Sestrus and his people were escorted away by Koul's maids and guards. And of course, King Sestrus' son didn't miss his chance to glare bitterly at Koul before passing by.
With everyone gone, only a few guards on their post remained with Koul and Yui.
Koul walked over to Yui, and as she saw him coming, she flinched a little.
I'm just going to ask about the incident. That should be allowed.
He stood before Yui, making sure he wasn't too close to agitate or scare her. Then slowly, in a calm tone, he asked.
"What happened?"
Yui's gaze lifted for a short moment before it lowered again.
"T-the.. the.. I.."
"Don't rush your words. Calm down and tell me exactly what happened. I won't bite you."
Yui took a deep breath which rose her busty chest up and down. Then she started, slowly as Koul said.
"I-I was coming to… see you," she paused, taking a slow peek at Koul from below.
She was waiting to see how he'd react to her words but Koul said nothing. His expression didn't change either. So, she continued.
"I.. wasn't watching where I was going and failed to notice t-the king, so I bumped into one of the knights," she recounted lowly, gaze still lowered.
How do you not even notice that?
And… a knight? He had her kneel in front of everyone just for a knight?
How bad had Koul treated his wives for them to be disrespected this much?
His brows drew together, anger simmering once more.
King Sestrus, count your days.
After hearing the cause of the issue, Koul attempted to dismiss Yui and turn to leave, but his brain tugged back at her words.
'I was coming to see you.'
Who? Me?
She was?!!
He snapped up his gaze at her, grabbing her by both arms with excitement.
"Why were you coming to see me?" He asked, too excited to realize he was gripping her a bit too hard.
Although he himself wasn't strong per say, his grip was strong enough to bruise her delicate skin.
Yui squeezed her eyes from the pain, unable to let him know.
"L-last time in the council chamber, it felt like you wanted to tell me something but couldn't, so I decided to.. to come," she said, tilting her body away due to the pain.
Only then did Koul realize. He instantly freed her, stepping back.
"I'm so—"
ZAP!
He was about to apologize when a bolt of lightning zapped his nerves.
He instantly went still, lips zipped.
Oh fuck me.
[Koul doesn't apologize. Especially to people he deems lower than him.]
Yeah, a bit too late to tell me that. Plus, it was out of reflex.
Also, I can't believe she noticed I wanted to talk to her. Koul's heart was overjoyed.
Seeing how strange he suddenly turned, Yui couldn't help but stare in confusion.
Koul shot his eyes at her, finally seeing her face properly as her gaze was no longer lowered.
I know I've said this before, but… she's really beautiful, he thought dreamingly.
And she's a whole package, damn me!
Their eyes locked on each other, both staring and simply blinking—unaware what to say.
"Wait!" Koul instructed and inched away, putting a distance between them.
Then he turned and started whispering.
"Since I'm not allowed to interact much with her, but I have a task to complete through her, can I speak freely?" He asked the system.
And it's not like I even asked or forced her to come. She was willingly coming to see me, so it should be okay.
[How free is freely, host?] the system fired back.
"Nothing much. I won't make it long. Just something short that will aid me complete the task."
[Hmm… fine.]
Koul smiled widely but as he turned, he quickly composed himself. He walked back to Yui who was left in wonder and confusion, minding his steps.
But before he could speak to her, another thought struck him still.
How can I even put it in when my thing is dead?
His head creaked like a robotic machine toward the system, meeting its blank stare.
It was as if the system already knew what was going through his mind, hence stared back blankly.
[Of course it's going to resurrect to complete the task!]
Phew!
Koul turned back to Yui, composed like he wasn't going through turmoil a second ago.
"You're right, Yui," he said. "I do have something to tell you. Will you come see me in my chambers tonight?"