Sepp’s pov:

It took us 3 whole days until we reached the capital. Normally, people had to pay to enter, but a very influential person accompanied me, so I didn’t have to pay for anything.

When we arrived or better, the princess returned, there was a huge uproar. I don’t plan on further butting into her business, so let’s say, most people were happy about it. We were welcomed by a lot of guards. I couldn’t count all of them but you could say it was almost a small army. I sneaked a peak at parts of the city, visible to me and really wanted to explore as much as possible.

It was obvious that I wasn’t allowed to see the king immediately, so I was guided to a nearby guesthouse and waited until I was allowed to. While I followed the guards, the princess as well as her retainer Miedes went and met the king. After we reached the guesthouse, the guard told me to wait until he comes back and left.

The so-called guesthouse turned out to be a huge villa. No one was living there and it was always empty for important guests from all over the world. There were about 10 butlers and maids for every need of the guest, as well as many more workers, like a gardener, many cooks etc. I sat down in the living room and waited.

I was a bit nervous. I sat in a huge villa and could only wait for some kind of reply. There was the possibility of the king despising the Dark Continent. There was the possibility of Miedes skipping some important information in his report. There were many more things, which could let me look like an enemy; I didn’t even want to consider them.

I could just wait and hope for the best.

Finally, after almost 2 hours, the guard that guided me to the villa came back.

“Have you rested well?”(Guard)

“Yes.”(Me)

Obviously not, but it was better to not show them my concerns.

“Good the king is ready to meet you, follow me.”(Guard)

I followed the guard. We passed through many streets and I thought all sorts of people. From big to small, from old to young, from poor looking to rich clothed people. Again, I could barely resist walking away and exploring the city. Shops of all sorts kept appealing me until the point, where I needed to focus my attention solely on the guard to resist them.

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While we were heading to the palace, I attracted many curious stares from the citizens. However, 1 angry glare from the guard and they all minded their own business.

“I am truly sorry. We always have problems with spectators.”(Guard)

“No problem.”(Me)

I replied in the noblest way possible for an ex-slave. When we reached the so-called noble district, the spectators got less by a lot. After passing a few more streets, we reached the palace entrance and I didn’t notice any eyes directed at me.

“We finally meet again, young man.”(Miedes)

I heard as soon as the guard opened the huge door. Miedes welcomed me and took over the role of my guide.

“We don’t have much time until your audience. I need to know a few things about your education.”(Miedes)

“S…Sure go ahead and ask.”(Me)

“Have you learned anything about proper etiquette?”(Miedes)

“I have heard about it, but that is as far as my knowledge goes.”(Me)

The old man thought for a second.

“Kneel before the king and keep your eyes low. As long as you remember those 2 things you should do fine.”(Miedes)

He said while we were walking to the throne room. He made a final halt before the golden doors leading into it.

“For the rest, do exactly the same as I do and answer the king’s questions.”(Miedes)

I nodded and Miedes opened the doors. The hall was huge. Bigger than anything, I have ever seen before. Knights stood at both sides of a long red carpet, which led directly to the throne. I did as Miedes said and kept my eyes low. We slowly moved forward and when we reached the king, we both kneeled down before him.

“Minister of Finance Miedes greets the king.”(Miedes)

Miedes put his right hand on his chest. He did so while kneeling and after he finished his sentence, he sneakily looked at me. I immediately understood and did the same.

“Sepp of the Dark Continent greets the king.”(Me)

A moment of silence filled the hall. I could feel the pressure all around me. This situation with so many troops, as well as the king in front of me, overwhelmed me a little.

“You may rise.”(King)

We did as he said, but at the same time kept our sights low.

“Before I am a king, I Arthur Pendragon am a father and from the bottom of my heart, I thank you for saving my only daughter Angelica. If there is anything you want, don’t hesitate and tell me.”(Arthur)

I gathered all my nerves in order to reply to him.

“There is indeed 1 thing I would like to ask of you.”(Me)

I don’t know if I said anything wrong, but the mood worsened a lot.

“Speak.”(Arthur)

“I wish to work under you.”(Me)

My answer didn’t only confuse the knights in the back, but also the king himself.

“My king, this is obviously a trap set up by the Dark Continent.”(?)

2 men were slowly walking in through another entrance and gave their statement.

“Silence. I decide, if it is a trap or not.”(Arthur)

However, the king quickly reminded them of their status.

“I wish to know the reason for you decision. Don’t get me wrong kid, I heard what you are capable of doing from Minister Miedes, but I wonder why you want to work for me.”(Arthur)

I took a deep breath before answering that.

“I am not allowed to tell you the details, all I can say is that this is my own decision and I will not betray you. If you still don’t believe me, we can do a contract.”(Me)

“I tell you, this is…”(?)

The king interrupted the man with only showing him a palm.

“Look me in the eyes and swear your loyalty again.”(Arthur)

Before I did as the king said, I took a peak at Miedes. He showed me a thumb up. I slowly raised my head and my eyes met with the eyes of the king. He had red hair and a strong build. His clothes were golden, red and white and looked expansive.

“I Sepp of the Dark Continent swear to be loyal to Arthur Pendragon, the king of humans.”(Me)