The next day came fast and it seemed as if Rai hadn’t slept at all.

The King ordered his Royal Guards to ask Rai for his presence. They immediately left to carry out the King’s command.

Seeing the Royal Guards at his door, he asked for the reason. After getting ready he left to meet the King.

Sometime later Rai entered the Throne Room, it was just like yesterday, but it seemed as if there were more Nobles. He kept walking straight towards the King. He bowed “I greet the Lord of the Ferenessia!”

The King replied with a smile “Good Morning to you as well, Rai. Do you know why I have called you here today?”

Rai replied, “Milord, I don’t.”

King moved his right hand, pointed at Rai, and said “It is because of you killing the White Serpent. It was a vile creature, which we wanted dead for a long while now. You in exterminating it have done the great deed and for that, I shall award you.”

At this point, it seemed like he just wanted to award something to Rai even if he had killed only a lizard.

Rai got on his one knee and said “Milord, I am truly grateful.” Rai did not deny the award because General Hardley had told him that it be would rude towards the King’s generosity.

The King smiled and said, “Come forward.”

Rai did as he was told and walked till he was right before the King, got on his one knee, and said “Yes Milord.”

The King unsheathed his sword and patted Rai’s shoulder with the end part of it and said “I Albert de Pauldo, King of the Kingdom of Ferenessia in the continent of Vulhalm, hereby give Sir Rai the name of Raizel De Rouge, and the title of the Marquees, and the alias of Black King!”

As soon as he said that, the entire Throne Room became rackety.

But the King continued “The Black King helps the Kingdom from the shadows. It is given only to one who is strong, smart, and the one who serves the King with his entire being. The King has the right to choose the ‘Black King’. In that context since, I am the King I hereby give it to Raizel de Rouge!”

The Throne Room became completely silent. The King in a dominant manner said “Does anybody have an objection?”

No one said a single word. They all bowed and said, “We obey your command, Milord!” After a small pause, they all said “We obey your command, Sir Raizel!”

After that, all the Nobles came one by one to greet their new Black King. When everyone had left, there was only the King and Rai in the Throne Room.

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After a while in the Kings working quarters which was not too lavish but had every essential thing an office would need. There were two people sitting face to face on the sofas on the right side of the Office, and having tea.

Rai turned towards the King, let out a sigh, and said “Sir Albert… Why did you do this? You know I want to leave, not just the Capital but also the Kingdom and it will hinder my plans when I travel in other Countries and Kingdoms.”

The King smiled and said “Well I wanted you as my son, but I was not expecting you to say you wanted to leave. So it’s just my gift to you. Serve justice in the Kingdom. Reach to those who I can’t. Punish those who I can’t. Help those in need. Kill those who have ill intentions.”

The King let out a sigh and continued “Make a Kingdom which the next generation would be proud of. Help fulfill this old man’s wish. You know I am nearing death, and my son he is gullible. Nobles use him to fill their own pockets. That’s why I wanted you as my son.”

The King shook his head and said “I wanted you to aid and lead the people after me but I can’t force you. I just want you to promise me that, after I die you will help Vennessia. She is an adorable child who doesn’t want anything bad for anyone, but that foolish son of mine… I am afraid he would even take up swords against his own sister. That is the reason I am giving you this title, to help the ones in need.”

After hearing all that, Rai couldn’t be but shaken up. With determination in his eyes, he replied “Yes Milord, I on my name Raizel de Rouge, hereby solemnly swear that I will protect Princess Vennessia.”

The King with a glint in his eyes said “Yes, that is good and all but I was thinking something else.”

Rai curiously asked “Oh? What would that be, Sir Albert?”

The King gave him a smile and said “I was thinking of you marrying my daughter.”

Rai hearing that immediately froze and turned red and said “S-sir A-Albert, I am unworthy!”

The King replied “Oh is that what you think? I don’t think there will be anyone else in this entire world suitable enough for her. You’re strong, can make wise decisions, have courage, and above that you have the strength to protect what you love. So I think you would be perfect.”

Rai replied in an awkward manner “B-But… but Sir Albert, I am planning to go on a journey around the world I won’t be able to be with her.”

The King let out a sigh and said “Rai... it's fine you can go, I am just planning to hold an engagement. The marriage will be held when you return from your adventure.”

The King with a big grin continued “And… By the time you return I am sure you would be one of the strongest and the most influential person in this world.”

Rai replied hesitantly “Milord, are you sure about this?”

The King with a saintly smile replied “Yes, I am absolutely sure.”

Rai sighed, slightly bowed, and said “Your wish is my command.”

The King replied with a hearty laugh “Good but you can call me Father, after all, you will be my Son soon.”

Rai with a slight blush stood tall and said “Yes, Sir Albert soon.”

The King smiled and said in a loud voice “Marcus! Come inside!”

Marcus entered the Throne Room and stood beside Rai, bowed, and said “Yes Milord you have called?”

The King replied “Yes, I have decided that Raizel de Rouge, Black King of the Kingdom of Ferenessia, will be marrying my daughter, Princess Vennessia de Pauldo of the Kingdom of Ferenessia. Their engagement will be held in a week. I want you to prepare everything for the engagement.”

Marcus was surprised, panicked, then tried to calm down and said “Yes Milord, leave everything to me.”

Rai bowed and said “Then Milord. I shall take my leave.” In return, the King nodded. Rai left the Kings' Office and headed back to clear his head and think of what’s to come.