A huge group of bandits, consisted of 30 elite brigands, kidnapped the princess. They worked together with the princess' carriage driver to kidnap her. Sir Roderyk and the guards were able to chase them but were ultimately killed in the end. Luckily, a wandering adventurer heard about the kidnapping and come to her rescue.
That is how the official report that was later known by the public. Only a few knew the truth and fewer cares.
"Is it alright?" Theo asked as he swung his arm around while looking at the mirror. The man in the mirror wore a black formal clothing given to him by the Chamberlain. It was an expensive clothing usually wore by the noble. He couldn't fathom why the noble would think such clothing was elegant, he thought it was trash. There were so many useless decorations on it that made movement hard.
"You look good in it," Ana said.
"Really? The chest part is a bit tight and so is the arm." Theo tried to adjust his clothing but was unable to. "I'm never going to wear something like this again."
Ana giggled a like a child. "I was hoping that you would accept the knighthood. I mean, they even offered you Sir Roderyk position."
"I'm sorry Ana, but being a knight isn't what I want to be. Being a knight is a hassle, sure there are a lot of benefits, but you have a duty to the kingdom and I don't want that."
"And what do you want?"
Theo put on a huge smile on his face. 'You' He said inside his mind. "To be free doing whatever I want to. Travel all around the world. Seeing and uncovering the mysteries of this world with my own two eyes. Exploring dungeon, fighting untold monster and horror. Fighting great knight and warrior" He answered. "Well. Having a medal of honor and being rewarded with gold and sword is enough for now."
"Then I will see you during the ceremony." She made a courteous bow before leaving the room.
------
A huge audience filled the Grand Hall. High nobility and those with great importance in the capital attend the ceremony. They all wore a fancy expensive clothing that even the one who is going to be celebrated won't be able to buy it. Most of them didn't care about the ceremony in the least. They came only to boast and show off their newest clothing and jewelry to other noble.
Whispers came among the crowd. Discussing and mocking the commoner who turned down an offer of knighthood and the offer of the royal guard position. It was always like this. If Theo accepted the position they would complain how can a commoner be allowed to be a knight. If he didn't, they would complain about how insolent a commoner for turning down such offer. They would always find a way to insult someone, especially a commoner.
As the huge double door opened all eyes were fixed on the young man. The whispering and talking were silenced.
Eyes were shot open and mouth agape as the charming young man entered the grand hall. His face, his hair, his clothing, the way he walked, and the way he presented himself to the audience, no trace of a commoner could be seen. It was as if a prince or a hero came straight out from children's book and walked before them.
The girl and young women couldn't help but stare with their reddened cheek as he passed them. The noble daughter whispered to each other asking if they knew who he was. Even the lady of big houses couldn't help but stare at him.
Yet his gaze, he didn't give it to anyone.
From the moment he stepped inside the room his eyes were focused on the throne in front of him and those around it. The marble covered floor and pillar, the luxurious red carpet he walked on, the flag and banner hanging on the wall showing the crest of great houses, all didn't avert his gaze.
On the throne, a white-haired man with blank stare, sat. His hair, beard, and clothing were a mess. He even sat without any care about his dignity or anything, with his crown almost fell from his head. Yet even then, there was an air of undeniable gravitas and charisma around him.
On his left, a tall lean woman with beautiful face and ample bust, the first princess, Princess Aria. On her left, Princess Ana. And on her left again, a tall fat teenager with a smug smile and punchable face, Prince Alvaro. He had the weakest claim to the throne, being born from a mistress and being the youngest. He was known to be stupid, weak, and arrogant. Bragging about his status and wealth every chance he got. Theo was glad he didn't have to speak with him, he's the kind of nobility he hated the most.
On the king's right, Sir Arslan along with the rest of the royal guard stood watch. Fearsome in their gold colored armor.
Theo was careful with his step, remembering the etiquette the Chamberlain taught him all morning. He stood in front of the king and genuflected. "Theo Gladium, for the great service you have done to the kingdom. For protecting and saving the princess. And for defeating a band of brigade where even a royal guard was unable to. Therefore, I bestow upon thee the medal of the highest honor."
"And I shall accept it with the greatest honor." The King stood from his throne. On his hand a golden medal bearing the symbol of the kingdom. The King put it around Theo's neck. Princess Ana and Sir Arslan were the first one to clap, then followed by the rest. Except for the prince, who looked annoyed.
------
After the ceremony, Theo planned to go straight back to the inn. he had left Lyana and Vivi without any news for far too long. Although they probably already knew what happened to him. Before he could get outside the castle, Emilia stopped him and asked to speak in private.
Like before, Emilia cast a spell to prevent any spying and eavesdropping on them. But unlike before, Emilia's face was dead serious. She pointed an armed spell at Theo.
"Who are you ?" She asked.
"What do you mean? You already know who I am." He said. He knew what she meant. He had barely told anything about himself to her and the princess, but he pretended to not know.
"I did some background check about you, asked some people from the spy corps. Even they didn't know much about you. Six years ago you just popped out of nowhere in Aeston. For three years you worked in Garuda's Mercenary in the free cities. Then you somehow able to enroll in Aeston's Knight Academy despite being a commoner. Earlier than that, there is no record of your existence."
"That's too bad. The kingdom should search for a more competent person to employ." He answered in a mocking manner.
Emilia pushed his body and pinned him to the wall. "I don't have time for your jest! The princess is in danger, and she means the world to me!"
Theo had underestimated how serious she was. If he knew she was this serious he wouldn't have made a comment like that. "Stop with the threat, you're not stupid, killing me right here won't end well for both of you and the princess." Emilia disarmed her magic but still pinned him on the wall. "What do you want to ask exactly?" Theo asked.
"Why did you save the princess?" She stared him in the eyes. From her eye movement, Theo could tell that she was reading him, trying to find any lies. She was pretty skilled. Guess there's no point in trying to hide it.
"Because I like her."
"And you think you have a chance of trying to get a princess when you're nothing more than an adventurer, a commoner?"
"I do, and please correct it, I'm not a mere commoner. I'm the hero who saved the princess you know."
"How did you know where the kidnapper are going? How did you find her location?"
"It's pretty easy actually. The kidnapper used a carriage, meaning the forest road are out of question. A kidnapping of high profile individual usually are done to destabilize a nation. The only possible place to keep her is in another country. The fastest way? Through the bandit pass. Once you know where they are going you just have to wait there. I used the forest road which few know to get faster than the kidnapper."
"Do you have any involvement in the kidnapping?"
"With the exception of saving her, no."
Emilia backed down and turned away from him. "You didn't lie, but I still didn't trust you. You're too mysterious and your appearance is too sudden for it to be a coincidence. The princess is interested in you, but you're a fool if you think I will just let you get near her. Especially since you have... a horrible record with women."
"Great record" He corrected."Is there any way for me to change your mind?"
She turned to face him again. "You're going to meet the Princess Aria tomorrow, I have already arranged that. Find a way to gain her trust, convince her to make you her subordinate, then work as a double agent for us."
"You think the first princess wouldn't notice? From what I heard she's really, really smart."
"That's for you to handle. You have no political power, no significant wealth. If you want to help the princess, that's the only thing you can do."
Theo grabbed Emilia by the shoulder and pushed her to the wall. "The only thing I can do? Or the thing that only I can do?"
"Aria is a very cautious woman. She won't be fooled easily and she won't trust a person easily. We need someone who is...... specialized in getting close to a woman."
"You're saying I should use my charm and flirting skill on Aria so that you let me get close to Princess Ana?"
"Yes." She answered.
Theo rubbed her cheek and her chin with his right hand before placing his mouth next to her ears. "And what if I fail. What if she knew that I spied on her?" He whispered.
"you...have to improvise." She stuttered.
"Hmm, you say you didn't trust me, why risk it? What if I betray you and tell Aria about everything?"
"You..won't do that. You say it yourself, you like the princess. This is the best chance you've got."
"Is that so.... You know what? You're smart, and I like that."
Emilia blushed and pushed Theo away. "I'm sorry, but I already have someone in my heart. " She canceled the magic that covered the room and headed out.
"Is it Ana? The way you look at her when she's not looking. That's not how you look at a friend or family."
She stopped after hearing his question and looked over her shoulder. Her stare was ice cold. "What inside of my heart is none of your concern. And a relationship of the same gender is forbidden by the church."
Theo lips curved into a smile as she left the room. "Don't worry, I have nothing against Lesbian." He said with a loud enough voice so that she could hear it, but not any other person. She didn't deny it, but she also blushed and didn't look disgusted at his advance. If she did swing both ways, It made everything much more interesting for him.
"Lady Emilia." Before she could get far, a guard called her. "The king called Sir Theo to his chamber."
Emilia looked at Theo with a confused look. "What did you do?"
"Nothing. Why?" He replied, as confused as Emilia.
"The king have never called anyone to his chamber since..." Emilia rolled her eyes trying to remember when the last time the king called someone to his chamber. "Ever."