Kingdom of Coleus — The Adventurers Guild
After days of travel, Saare and Garde finally reached the Kingdom of Coleus.
The towering stone walls of the capital stood firm against the horizon. Merchants moved in and out through the gates, adventurers gathered in clusters, and guards patrolled the streets.
The moment the two Holy Knights entered the city—
Heads turned.
Whispers followed.
Saare's expression immediately soured.
'This again…'
The Holy Knights of Lubelius were not only loved and respected within the Holy Empire. Everywhere outside of hostile territories, they were admired.
To the common people—
They were symbols of hope.
Symbols of justice.
Symbols of salvation.
Saare hated that.
They tied their horses near the Adventurers Guild. The stable workers bowed deeply, almost trembling as they recognized the pristine white uniforms and the unmistakable holy aura.
As they walked toward the guild entrance, the crowd parted on its own.
Saare exhaled sharply.
"We should have worn different clothes. All this attention is super annoying."
Garde rested his spear casually over his shoulder and chuckled.
"I don't see the problem with it, Saare. We are heroes in the people's eyes."
Saare's gaze hardened slightly.
"That's the problem. I'm not anyone's hero."
Garde raised his hands slightly in surrender.
"Alright, alright."
The heavy guild doors creaked open.
Inside, the atmosphere shifted.
Unlike the outside admiration, the interior was filled with hardened adventurers, scarred faces, muscular builds, weapons leaning against tables. Men and women who had seen blood and survived.
Chatter rippled the moment Saare and Garde stepped in.
"Those are the Holy Knights, aren't they?"
"Without a doubt. That noble aura… those pristine white outfits."
"I think I recognize the one that looks like a kid. Isn't that Saare-sama?"
Saare's eyebrow twitched.
'Kid…?'
He swallowed his irritation.
Garde smirked slightly but said nothing.
They made their way to the front desk.
The female receptionist looked up—
And froze.
Her mouth opened slightly.
Her eyes sparkled.
Completely starstruck.
Saare maintained his composure.
"Hello, ma'am. Can we get two passes onto the wasteland?"
Silence.
She continued staring.
Saare waved a hand gently in front of her face.
"Hello? Can you hear me?"
No response.
Garde let out a small chuckle.
"I think she might be starstruck."
Saare clicked his tongue softly.
"Then how are we supposed to get help here?"
Suddenly—
A door behind the desk swung open.
A burly man with a thick beard and a scar across his face rushed forward.
He immediately put on a wide smile.
"Saare-sama, Garde-sama! I'm the Guild Master here. Please forgive my employee's behavior. She's… enthusiastic."
The receptionist remained frozen.
Saare nodded politely.
"It's fine. We would like passes to the wastelands."
The Guild Master blinked.
"The wastelands? That's no issue at all."
He leaned slightly forward.
"Would you perhaps like me to arrange a guide for you?"
Saare shook his head.
"No need. I've been here before. I can get around."
The Guild Master nodded respectfully.
"Understood."
He rummaged through a drawer beneath the counter and pulled out two thick, engraved passes.
"These are all-access passes. You may even enter the deepest sections of the wastelands if you wish."
Saare took them.
"Thank you."
Without lingering, he and Garde turned and headed toward the exit.
As soon as the doors shut behind them—
The Guild Master tapped the receptionist on the forehead multiple times.
She finally blinked rapidly, snapping back to reality.
"Ah—!"
The Guild Master sighed heavily.
"Why are you embarrassing us?"
Her face turned beet red.
"I-I'm sorry, Guild Master! I'm just such a huge fan of the Holy Knights!"
He clicked his tongue.
"Never mind that."
His expression turned serious.
"Rush to the Royal Palace. Notify the King of the arrival of the Holy Knights."
Her eyes widened.
"Yes!"
She grabbed her cloak and bolted out of the guild.
Two Hours Later — Royal Palace of Coleus
King Tedron Coleus walked through the long marble corridors of the Royal Palace, his royal cape trailing behind him. Tall stained-glass windows painted the hallway in shifting colors of gold and crimson.
Beside him walked his son, Sauzer Coleus.
Tedron spoke calmly.
"Sauzer. What did the two Saints say about my invitation?"
Sauzer kept pace, hands folded behind his back.
"They were hesitant at first… but they agreed in the end."
He hesitated slightly before continuing.
"Father, I don't understand why we need to treat these Holy Knights with such respect."
Tedron chuckled softly.
"It's all for diplomacy, Sauzer."
He slowed his steps slightly, his tone turning instructive.
"You see, these Holy Knights are the ace of the Holy Empire of Lubelius, the most powerful religious faction in the world. It is important to maintain good relations with them."
His gaze shifted forward.
"One day, you may become King of the Kingdom of Coleus. You should learn diplomacy early."
Sauzer bowed his head slightly.
"Understood, Father."
Tedron smiled faintly.
"Good. I can still kick for a few more years, but you shouldn't slack off in learning either."
He then glanced sideways.
"Where is your brother?"
Sauzer answered promptly.
"He said he's going to perform drills with the army."
Tedron nodded.
"Good. The defense of this country is in his hands, after all."
There was a brief silence before Sauzer spoke again.
"And Father… about the invitation to the Western Nations Conference."
Tedron's expression grew thoughtful.
"We will be attending. Apparently, something significant will be discussed."
His tone suggested that even he did not know the full details.
The two soon approached the grand pathway leading toward the throne room.
Suddenly—
Sauzer frowned.
"Wait, Father."
Tedron stopped.
"We've been walking all this time… but there's no sign of any guards. Where have they gone?"
The corridor was eerily silent.
Too silent.
Tedron's eyes narrowed.
"I was thinking the same thing."
His voice dropped.
"Keep your guard up, Sauzer."
Sauzer immediately placed his hand on the hilt of his sword.
"Yes, Father."
They continued forward.
Each step echoed louder than it should have.
A cold sensation crept up Tedron's spine.
'This… feeling…'
A bad premonition formed in his chest.
They reached the massive doors of the throne room.
Sauzer pushed them open.
The doors groaned as they parted—
And the sight inside made Tedron's breath hitch.
At the far end of the throne room—
Sprawled lazily across the royal throne—
Sat a figure.
One leg draped over the armrest.
Head resting against his knuckles.
Maroon suit.
Black shirt.
Black gloves.
Black shoes.
Maroon hair that fell loosely around his face.
Maroon sclera.
Golden eyes.
And two interlocking horns rising from his head.
He smiled.
Calm.
Relaxed.
Amused.
"King Tedron."
His voice echoed smoothly across the vast chamber.
"I've been waiting for you for quite a while now, you know."
His golden eyes glinted.
"It's rude to keep a guest waiting."
Tedron's pupils shrank.
Cold sweat trickled down his back.
His instincts screamed.
'I wish it wasn't…'
His hands trembled slightly.
'But without a doubt…'
'That's a demon.'
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