I could just smile.
I can't wait to take back my kingdom.
I can't let a person this zealous go to waste.
"Sorry! Please handle that monster, ma'am!"
Acting afraid, I shouted those words and then ran towards the castle.
"Seriously, these knights are useless."
The young woman turned back and faced the monster.
"Still... Isn't that a sign from the other kingdoms? Why did they let this go?"
Hearing what the girl was saying, I turned my eyes towards the monster to take a look at what she was talking about.
'A crest?'
On the monster's chest, there was a crest glowing in bright green.
"What is that crest?"
I thought out loud.
"In case you are wondering... It's a symbol placed on monsters from certain dungeons. Every dungeon has different symbols. It is to determine which location they are from. The monsters which are carrying the crest symbol from a dungeon located near or in the territory of one kingdom are a responsibility of that kingdom. That's what it's for. For you to become an elite knight without knowing that... Aren't you really too suspicious?"
A faint smile appears on the face of the woman. It seems she was somewhat amused by how I struggled to maintain my rather obvious act.
I know she was not sure of anything. But she indeed was sure of something... I was too suspicious!
"Crest? For every dungeon in kingdoms? Responsibilities?"
The woman was finally somewhat relaxed at the time when she became active again. It appears that she had wondered what it was that I was pondering in my mind.
After all...
"This... This is... Isn't this what we were warned about!?"
In a rather suppressed exclaim, I blurted out those words.
"This... This... Huh?"
I could just regain my composure. I remembered I wasn't supposed to act suspicious. But still...
Instead of running like a weakling, I continued my pace to the castle by simple walking; my shoulders drooped and my mind was murky due to apprehension.
"This is... "
'Damn it, I could cry. Well whatever. The message did say that it was our last chance. So basically now we're just dead.'
The woman could just stand in wonder as she watched me walking to the castle unbothered by the commotion in the surroundings.
"What was he... " - she muttered.
"An order has been sent; you must have already finished what you were asked for. You already took so much too long. This is a serious order. This is... "
The monster began to talk. However, an intense lump of fire streaked instantly towards it and shut it down.
"Monster huh? This is a problem. We must take it down immediately."
"T-Thi-This is not wha... "
A line of light flashed across the monster's body cutting it in half.
"A talking monster... How odd... Hahaha..."
"Father... What are you... Why did you kill the monster!? It was talking! It might have a message! And that aside, why did you even come here?"
"It is a monster. Of course, it won't talk. Or let's say it indeed can talk, what would a monster say that would worth valuable?"
"But... Even so... "
"Listen, my dear Dark Rose, don't ever talk with such strange creatures, okay?"
"..."
'That guy is her father?'
I once again looked back to see what happened. To my surprise, who would've thought that that monster would talk? And that guy shut it down? Why? Even said it was nonsense listening to monsters who are supposedly not capable of talking, wasn't that a little careless move?
Well...
'I'd better hurry to my post. I can't afford to get seen. Her father seems to be of a high profile. Seeing a knight in his audience doesn't seem suitable. This is the moment when only the strong were on the scene. I must withdraw to the background.'
...that guy was just probably too overprotective.
Right now he was conversing with his grown-up daughter like a little cute child.
"Are you hurt? Aren't you scared of that unusual and creepy event?"
"Shut up already!!! Get back to your work!!!"
...
Now I was back on my post on a side of the castle hall.
"Message? Talking monster? Crest marked on every monster from every kingdom? There's a lot. Just when I thought I wouldn't gain information... This is clearly vital information isn't it? Just not what I currently need though."
To think that I'd encountered with an info that even to these people is new.
However, what I need now is the data on whether I can still retake my reign. I don't have any hint about that yet so I must get a least a hint. Just a hint.
I just can't ask who's the king because it would certainly make me doubtful.
There are many to prepare. To look for evidence or proofs and to set things up so that I can perfectly overthrow the king with the help of the people instead of a self-proclaimed type of victory only.
...
"Ugh... Should I quit after all?"
Many days had passed. Nothing happened at all.
"Ahhhhh...! Finally some break!"
"...?"
All of a sudden, someone yawned and stretched up letting out those words of relief.
It was also the same with the others.
They began to walk around leaving their posts like scattering mosquitoes from their hiding spots.
["Ah... Good work everyone. Ahh... That was long... It was tough... Finally, some breathe... To the roof hahaha... Yes!!!"]
"...?"
'What is happening? Everyone here suddenly looks like a child. Where's their manners?'
I could just wonder.
With that as if having a question mark in the head reaction of mine, someone came to me.
"Yo!"
With her hand raised, a woman with short blue hair has come to me.
"Why won't you go around? It's not like our days are always like this. Relaxing a little won't affect our elite knight commitment."
"Uh... "
'I was waiting for someone to say that!!!'
"Uhm, why? What happened?"
"Oh? You didn't know? We were only on a tight assignment because one of the five rulers had visited the castle. There are no particular reasons for their visiting here. They can just come whenever they fancy. So we elite knights are assigned here to guard the place whenever they're not around. This place is thought of as the symbol of the kingdom. Can't just let it get tainted by unauthorised personnel entering without a noble reason, right?"
"Well, yeah."
"There is also the threat of important documents being stolen. So we must really give it our all for guarding this place. My name is Kiezy. Nice to meet you."
Reaching out her hand, she introduced her name.
"Yui."
Which I took as I stated my name.
"Big sister Kiezy...! Let's play tag! Oh?"
Someone really energetic has arrived. It's not like she was a child to act like that. True though, she's younger.
"Oh! It's the new guy! Say, how did you pass the exam? It was crazy right? It's like they don't intend to let the examinees pass at all. Hahaha... "
"Ah... Ahahaha... Right... "
"I saw Ms. Rose stop by you. What did you talk about?"
And one more woman arrived.
'Wait, why are all approaching me are woman? But well, there's nothing I can do about it. After all, despite what era, I am exceptionally handsome.'
"Ah, no... It's just nothing. She just said Good work. That's all. Hahaha... "
Of course, I just can't tell them I got scolded because I was taking possession of the kingdom.
Yeah.
'Even if it's just a joke.'
I got solemn after that thought.
"..."
"Even if it's the truth." - I muttered.
"Aaah...! To get praised by Ms. Rose... That's so...!"
"Huh!? Big sister Kiezy's praise is already enough! Right big sis!? Ahahaha...!"
"Hey, that's enough Zetra... "
The Zetra girl was hugging Kiezy like crazy. Rubbing her face against her.
"Aah... I hope I can be Ms. Rose's personal maid! Just the thought of it is so... Aaaah...!"
'What the heck?'
I couldn't even make a sad moment. These fools are wrecking the mood. I'm handsome, that's right. It's an undeniable truth. But I don't want to attract idiots!
I think only Kiezy was normal among these three.
"Sigh... "
After letting out a breath, I made a genuine smile.
It's time to relax. I guess...
"Okay! Let's roll then!"
"Eh? Uhm, Mr. Yui?" - Kiezy could just get surprised.
"Come on, Kiezy. Let's stroll around the castle! This is free time, right?"
"..."
Wondering what has caused that sudden changes in me, Kiezy could just get flabbergasted.
"Y-Yeah... "
We then began running around. This place was too big so running in the hall almost doesn't matter.
Well, who won't be enthusiastic? I can do all I want in the castle. In this short time, I will make sure that this castle will be turned upside down all for me to search everything I can use to retake my kingdom!
"After this short break or however long it is, I will make sure I will be the next king at the end of it!!!"
"H-hey, Mr. Yui. Everyone can hear... "
"It doesn't matter, I'm sure they will just take it as a joke."
"Hey, Hara! Why are you following us!? Shoo, shooo, just find yourself something to play!"
"Huh!? No way... Ms. Rose might encounter with mr. Yui. I can't let this chance slip away!"
"They've already gone home, idiot!!!"
"No way...! I won't!"
"Ugh... These two are too noisy. My apologies Mr. Yui."
"Ah... Ahahaha... You really don't have to think about it... "