I had just finished giving my statement when I heard that the king of Butnashso had summoned me. The problem was—no one even knew why.
The police officer simply apologized politely.
"My deepest apologies, Mr. Karen. I don't have the authority to question it. The royal messenger has already prepared a carriage and is waiting for you."
I took out my pocket watch to check the time. It was already eight o'clock. A carriage was ready and waiting—that meant I was expected to go immediately.
But it was already night. In two more hours, I'd normally be getting ready to sleep. Calling someone in at this hour… this king really that self-centered.
Still, he was the king. I couldn't just ignore the summons.
I asked the officer to wait a moment, then turned to Lixia and obsessed guy.
"Lixia, kid—you're not live the capital, right? It's already eight. Are there still trains running at this hour?"
As the adult here, I had to make sure the minors could get home safely.
"...No. What should we do?"
Lixia thought for a moment before answering anxiously. It seemed the station staff didn't work night shifts. The obsessed guy puffed out his chest and reassured her.
"Lixia, don't worry. I'll figure something out."
I cut him off immediately.
"No need. Just stay at an inn. We're staying at one too—Jacob will take you there. And you haven't had dinner yet, so go eat with him."
"That's too much trouble for you."
Lixia hesitated, not wanting to burden us. Then Jacob himself stepped in to persuade her.
"Miss Ethe, don't worry about it. Eating alone is pretty lonely anyway."
"In that case… I'll accept your kindness."
"What about you, kid?"
"I'm not leaving Lixia's side. I'll go."
Lixia clearly looked unhappy hearing that, but I didn't care. What mattered was that he agreed.
"Good. Jacob, I'll contact you once I'm done."
After giving my instructions, I turned and walked toward the officer.
"Take me there."
"This way, please."
He led me to another exit, where a luxurious carriage stood waiting. On its door was a crest—a shark wearing a crown. That must have been the royal emblem.
Beside the carriage stood a well-dressed man. He must have been the messenger. Maybe it was the dim lighting, but his skin looked rather dark.
"Lord Biaforel, this is Mr. Karen."
The officer introduced me. The messenger gave me an elegant bow and introduced himself.
"A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Karen. I am Andrel Biaforel. His Majesty heard that you had arrived in the capital and wished to meet you. I humbly ask that you do not refuse."
Just as I thought—completely self-centered. That barely counted as a reason.
"Nice to meet you. But it's already late. Can't this wait until tomorrow?"
"My sincerest apologies. If I fail to bring you, His Majesty will hold me accountable."
"Then I suppose I have no choice."
Honestly, I only asked for the sake of asking. If I could delay it, I would have preferred that.
"Thank you for your understanding. Please, step inside."
He opened the carriage door. I stepped onto the platform, peeked inside to make sure it was safe, then got in.
Once we were both seated, he instructed the driver to head for the royal castle.
The ride was silent. The messenger sat upright, watching me, while I avoided eye contact by hugging my sword and staring out the window. The only sound was the steady rumble of the wheels.
Time dragged on. Ten minutes? Twenty? It felt like hours.
At last, the outer walls of the castle came into view.
The gates opened, and the carriage entered. After a few more minutes, we arrived at the main entrance.
"Mr. Karen, we've arrived."
He stated the obvious, then opened the door for me.
As I stepped into the brightly lit palace, I confirmed it—his skin really was dark. Then he asked me to wait.
"I will inform His Majesty. Please wait here."
After a while, he returned.
"Mr. Karen, my sincerest apologies. His Majesty has been called away on urgent matters. Your audience has been postponed until tomorrow."
…What a trash king.
Was I his subordinate, to be summoned on a whim? What a waste of time. I should just leave.
"Then I'll come back tomorrow."
Fake, I wouldn't come tomorrow. There was no way this was anything important. Just a waste of time and energy.
But as soon as I said that, the messenger quickly stopped me.
"Mr. Karen, please stay. We will provide excellent meals and comfortable accommodations. His Majesty will summon you at the morning assembly tomorrow."
Why was he so insistent on keeping me here? And why would I attend some assembly?
This felt suspicious.
Still… I couldn't help myself. I wanted to see what this king was planning. Bold, maybe stupid—but I was curious.
"What time?"
"Nine o'clock."
"Take me to my room. And I want to take a shower."
"Thank you very much for staying. Please rest assured—each room comes with its own bath. This way, please."
He led me to my room and kept asking if I wanted dinner. In fact, he seemed very eager for me to eat their food.
That only made me more suspicious.
I'd rather eat my boxed meals than risk eating something they prepared. Who knows what they might have added?
Luckily, I'm very good at refusing. I turned him down perfectly.
Then I noticed—the door lock was broken.
But I pretended not to notice. If I pointed it out, they'd probably come up with another method.
After closing the inward-opening door, I turned to examine the room. I was on the top floor—no escape route. Jumping down would mean serious injury, if not death. And I wasn't about to attempt scaling walls barehanded.
That left only one option if things went wrong—fight.
There was a balcony ahead, with glass doors—but no curtains. Across from it stood a tall tower. With a telescope, someone could easily monitor my every move.
But the solution was simple.
I could just block everything with a "Rock Wall". Nothing could break through its defense—not the balcony, not even the door.
After that, I sat down on the sofa and started eating my boxed meal.
It was good.
But one wasn't enough.
So I ate another.
Once I was full, I went to take a shower—while keeping my senses alert for any signs of movement outside.