(King Sion’s Castle)

“After all these years. It’s great to see you're doing well, Louis.”

“Likewise. I’d love to chat all day, but then we would just get off topic. So, let's talk about why you summoned me.” Louis wanted to get straight to the point. Which, King Sion abided by.

The King cleared his throat, then went on to explain.

“A great threat has revealed itself. I’ve looked into many great individuals for the task, but you are the most suitable. As the proud King, I ask that you please hear me out.”

The king was quite an easy-going man. If it was a ruler from a different kingdom, Louis wouldn’t have been given a choice.

Louis wanted to turn the job down, but if the King himself was begging, it might be worth listening to.

“Well…I guess I hear what you have to say first.”

As the king spoke about the task, his tone became darkened.

“The Royal Vangray family has received some unwanted attention from some unknown individuals. Ever Since, I named them worthy to hold the forbidden texts in their vault, there have been mysterious movements near their mansion. There was also a recent attack there, a group of men charged through the gates, but were dealt with.”

Already, it wasn’t sounding good.

“Don’t you have a bodyguard for them if they're that important? And why trust them with the texts in the first place?” Louis asked.

“The Vangray family excels in the most advanced security magic we have ever seen. It would prove to be near impossible for anyone to open their vault. And there is already a good force of knights at their mansion. Not to mention the A-tier team I assembled.”

If it was already under control and had heavy help, why was Louis needed? It wasn’t making any sense.

“Then what am I needed for? Am I even needed?”

King sion nodded, replying, “You are.. While the knights act as bodyguards, your task will be something different. We need you to investigate anything suspicious. I know there’s not much to go off of, but please, do you best to find the culprit. Can I rely on you?”

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“If you're asking if you can rely on me, it is not a problem for me to answer with confidence. My answer...is….”

Louis put on a bold expression, and spoke like a brave warrior. Or maybe the opposite, “...ABSOLUTELY not.”

His answers shocked the room.

The king was baffled.

“??!! No? But why? You're one of the most powerful people in the kingdom. And you have the best detective skills.”

This would be a simple task for the man who became a Royal Knight at 17.

But, it seemed as if he had zero interest in the matter. Possibly, he didn’t wanna be burdened with such an important task.

Louis wore a smug expression across his face; he had no shame in explaining his down-grade in skill.

“You ask why?. It’s been 8 whole years since I’ve done any kind of operation. It’s been that long since I even casted a spell. Haha, I haven't even punched a man for that long. I suggest you get someone who’s not out of practice. Hell, I'd probably make things worse if I went to help. Sorry, but I'm not capable of such a mission.”

He gave every good reason why he wasn’t the right man for the job.

Still, King Sion had faith.

“I very well see your point. But having you on the job would still be a great card to play. I understand and respect your decision. I just ask that you think about it.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll think heavily on it. I wouldn’t get my hopes up though. I’m incapable afterall.”

Louis turned off, heading for the doorway.

The voice of an old friend spoke.

“That’s a shame. Everyone had faith in you, but here you go, rejecting an important request.”

It was a man with long white hair who had purple eyes. What he wore was a gray and blue uniform. This man was an old friend of Louis, one of the very few who hold the title of ‘Royal Knight’

His name was Alex.

“I didn’t think those would be your first words to me in 8 years. And rejecting the mission is my own business anyway.” said Louis.

“The Vangray family. A father, a mother, and two young kids. If something happens to them because you didn’t want to help, wouldn't it weigh on your conscience. Even after the weight of the mission you failed eight years ago.”

Louis tightend his fist, and Glared into the eyes of Alex.

“It’s not my fault if some criminals decide to kill them. That’s out of my hands. Also, it would be better if you didn’t bring up the past. For your sake.. Don’t forget who decided to sit out on that.”

Before the mission 8 years ago had started, Alex was one of the few who stayed behind. Later on, this resulted in the operation lacking enough man power and eventually failing.

“Yes ,make it seem like my fault. If you would’ve listened to me back then, you know Lia would’ve still been alive. Now you have the blood of enemies, allies and innocent people like Lia on your hands.”

“The past is all you know how to bring up. There’s no point in talking to you anymore. I’m out of here.”

As much as Louis wanted to use his years of martial-arts experience to beat down Alex, it was a better option to walk away. Seeing as he wasn’t part of the military anymore, his crimes of attacking a Royal Knight wouldn’t be overlooked. For now, he just needed to head back to his shcak and sleep.

‘The knights did rudely wake me up, after all.’