I continue speak my second request.
"My second request is that I need three companions: a swordsman, a merchant, and an assassin."
"Karen," the king said, "I understand needing a swordsman and an assassin. But why a merchant?"
"I'll be traveling to other countries under the pretense of protecting a merchant caravan. But along the way, we'll still need money. Since I won't accept financial support from the kingdom, we need a merchant to earn money—and they can gather local information too."
The kingdom's funds came from the people's taxes. Those funds should be used to improve citizens' lives. Besides, earning money myself felt more rewarding.
"I see. But merchants are usually weak, aren't they? What happens if you get attacked?"
"That's where the swordsman comes in—he protects the merchant. And the assassin gathers intelligence and can ambush enemies if needed."
A swordsman would be the merchant's bodyguard—strong enough to take on five people alone at minimum. Whether the assassin could kill or not didn't matter as much; intelligence gathering was the real priority. Know your enemy, and you win a hundred battles.
"I see," the king nodded.
"However, I want these three people to be top-tier in their respective fields. It's fine if they're slightly weaker, as long as they're close to my age and, most importantly, easy to communicate with."
Communication and understanding were key to the success of any team. If the age gap was too large, it would lead to differences in mindset and values.
"Can I tell them that you're a Brave?" the King asked. "I can't summon people without a reason."
"Please probe them subtly first and ask if they're willing. Don't force them to agree. I want to meet them in the royal castle on December 31st. I'll explain everything myself. And I need a private room suited for confidential discussions. No one else can be present."
"Not even me?" the King raised an eyebrow.
"I'm sorry, but no."
Because what I needed to do was essentially interview them—only after they passed would I reveal extremely classified information.
"I understand," the King finally said. "I'll find these three. Before December 31st. That's… quite tight. Anthony, after finish talking with Karen, return to the castle and tell Brand to start searching. Then bring Steve here."
Only four days left—indeed, that was tight. But I believed the King could do it. I trusted the extent of his power.
I also recalled Brand was the one who guided us into the castle last time, and Steve was the prince. So they really were here for a trip… adding a mouth to the meal again. Did they think I was running a charity?
"I understand," Anthony answered.
"And listen carefully—absolutely do not reveal the reason."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Karen, continue with your third request."
Finally, the time came. I immediately spoke.
"My third request is to allow Lina's actions."
"What actions?"
"I encountered a man at the guild who tried to hit on Lina. When she rejected him, he attempted to force her to agree. Because I was there, he couldn't lay a finger on her."
"So you're worried someone might harass her when you're not around? Your request is… protection for Lina?"
"Lina said that if someone lays hands on her, she'll fight back. Don't worry, Lina can easily beat an adult man. But if the opponent is a noble, it'll be troublesome. That's why I need Your Majesty's permission."
Nobles were unreasonable creatures. Even if they were clearly in the wrong, the outcome was never their fault. So I needed the King's support—so that Lina would always be the justified one.
At that moment, the sword saint cut in.
"Mr. Karen… is Ms. Lina as strong as you?"
He must be terrified that even Lina could beat him. Although, realistically, with their size difference, Lina couldn't win. But with enough speed, she'd be more than capable.
"Lina beating you is impossible—unless she enhances her physical ability."
The sword saint's expression shifted from shock to despair.
"Just enhancing physical ability is enough?! Am… am I really that weak…? I feel like my confidence is crumbling today…"
The King placed a hand on Anthony's shoulder and sighed.
"Anthony, stop making a fuss over trivial matters. It's time you face reality."
"Yes… Your Majesty…"
The King's words were brutal—Anthony's head drooped lower and lower. Then the King turned back to me.
"Karen, I approve. From now on, no matter who Lina retaliates against, I will judge the other party as being at fault."
"Thank you, Your Majesty. But I would like there to be evidence proving that Lina only acted in self-defense."
Even if the King supported her, others might accuse him of favoritism. Evidence would justify everything.
"Why?" he asked.
"Because evidence convinces people. Someone might provoke Lina, and she might lose patience and strike first. The other person could play the victim and gather sympathy, turning Lina into the aggressor. So I need someone who witnesses the entire event from start to finish."
I personally believed women were terrifyingly good at that kind of thing. All they had to do was loudly proclaim how pitiful, innocent, and helpless they were, and the bystanders would immediately side with them—assuming she was good-looking, of course.
"Karen, aren't you worrying too much?" the King asked, looking like I was making a big deal out of nothing.
"Your Majesty, it's better to be safe than sorry. I believe Lina is always in the right, but rumors can still hurt her. Evidence is essential."
No matter the era, public commentary was the most vicious weapon. People didn't care about right or wrong. They judged based on impressions and slapped labels on others, mercilessly attacking them.
And the only thing that could counteract that was the voice of someone with authority—the King. Evidence would make his word more convincing.
"I understand," he nodded. "I'll make arrangements. Karen, do you have anything else to add?"
"Nothing more. Let's return—the Queen and Princess must have been waiting for quite some time."
"You're right, let's hurry. I can't hold it anymore."
I had completely forgotten the King originally came here because he needed to use the bathroom. He sure didn't act like someone desperate to relieve himself.
After that, the King left to finally use the toilet. I then headed to the small side door near the main gate with the sword saint, since the King had asked him go back to castle.
It was just a simple door—I unlocked it and let him out. Since I didn't know when he'd return, I didn't bother locking it again.
I then went back to the washitsu to check if Lani had woken up.
She was still sound asleep—peaceful and adorable.