Chapter 18 : So I Took The Shortcut No One Dared to Imagine

Lukemir says, "May I say something, your majesty?" I say, "Sure, Lukemir. What is it?" Lukemir says, "There was a secret team that directly served under Elinshor. They are everywhere in this kingdom. This team's only duty was to inform Elinshor if anyone in this kingdom possessed any high-value things. When Elinshor received such information, he called that person to the palace and threatened him to give that valuable thing. Elinshor even tortured that person. " I ask, "How many spies are in that team?" Lukemir says, "Almost 200." 

I almost cry with happiness. I say, "Call that team here as soon as possible." "Yes, your majesty." I say, "Elyar, prepare those 28 soldiers as spies." Elyar says, "As you wish, your majesty." Lukemir says, "May I ask you what your intentions are with them?" 

I say, "I can tell you two. But never let others hear about this." They nod and say in unison, "Yes, your majesty." I say, "I want them to search every bit of land in this world to find every single person who is forced to be a slave and is being tortured regardless of race or gender." 

They remain speechless for a while. Lukemir says, "Why do you want to search for them, your majesty?"

- "I want to rescue all of them."

- "But they are just slaves. They are private proper..."

"Shut up, Lukemir!" I almost shout. Lukemir says, "Sorry, Your Majesty." I say, "You should say sorry to them and their families. Imagine your two children are traveling in a carriage. And suddenly some bandits attack them while they are defenseless and sell them as slaves. Now say your children are just their private property. Some bandits attack your home and take away your family members. And sell them to a cruel creature. Are they now private property? Huh, Lukemir?"

Lukemir says, lowering his head, "I understood, your majesty. But we can't interfere with any other nations. We can't just go and rescue them. We will be at war." I say, "I didn't say we will rescue them. I said, I will rescue them all while hiding my identity. Your spies will only give me the information. I'll handle the rest." Lukemir says, "But how can you...?" I interrupt him and say, "I can and I will. It's my duty to do so. I can't bring any risks to others. I'll rescue them. I just need the information about where they are." 

Elyar says, "Your Majesty, you said it is your duty. But why? Not all of them are from this kingdom. Then why is it your duty?" I say, "Then whose duty?" Elyar tries to say something but can't. I say, "I have no time to keep asking everyone I see to know the answer of whose duty it is to save them. I am a human. I am also created by God, just like they are. If they are suffering, it's everyone's duty to save them. And since no one is doing their duty, I'll do everything in my power to save them. I won't stop until everyone is saved." 

- "You mentioned regardless of race. Do you plan to save non-humans also, your majesty?" 

- "Of course. Why not?"

- "But non-humans except elves and dwarves are descendants of demons. Why will you save them?"

- "Are they not living beings, Elyar?"

- "Yes. But...."

- "Don't they feel pain?"

- "They do, your majesty. But they are evil beings. They harm humans."

- "Then why are humans keeping them slaves? If they are that dangerous for humans, then why are some humans using them for their own twisted pleas....?"

I bite my lips and strike a punch on a handle of my chair. The handle breaks into pieces. I am shaking in anger. I close my eyes and take deep breaths. 

After a moment, I open my eyes. Lukemir and Elyar are looking at me with fear. I say, "Answer me, Elyar. Why they are different from us. Did any of them hurt you or your family?" Elyar says, "No, your majesty. And I agree with what you said earlier. If they are evil beings, then it's not making any sense to keep them close to humans. But The Sanctus Dominion said...." 

I laugh and say, "And you believed. They are the ones selling non-humans as slaves. When I, a human, can't bear the thought that someone is suffering, then how can they, as saints, be making other living beings suffer? Listen, you respect The Sanctus Dominion. I have no problem with it. As your king, I am giving you an order. So do your duty. Will you do it or not?"

Lukemir and Elyar say in unison, "We will do it, your majesty." I say, "Listen, I am not going against your beliefs; I just want to rescue all suffering living beings. I need your help in this. Please help me." Lukemir and Elyar kneel before me and say in unison, "We will do what you say, your majesty." I say, "Raise your heads. Always remember, no innocent deserves to suffer." Lukemir says, "Yes, your majesty." 

I say, "You two can reject my order. I will try in a different way by myself." Elyar says, "We accepted your order, your majesty. Your Majesty, I.... We did worse things for the previous king. Obeying Elinshor's order made our hearts empty of humanity. We couldn't even question him. We just obeyed his order. Elinshor hurt others through us, and you want to save others through us. We will always follow you, your majesty. And if you ever want to go against the Sanctus Dominion, we will be with you." I smile and say, "Thank you." 

Lukemir says, "I'll gather every spy here tomorrow morning, your majesty." Elyar says, "I'll do the same, your majesty." I say, "Thank you. I am going to the room. Attend to your duties." Lukemir and Elyar say in unison, "Yes, your majesty." 

I say, "Lukemir, arrange a simple carriage for me. Make sure the carriage has enough room for 12 people." Lukemir says, "Sure, your majesty. Are you going somewhere, your majesty?"

- "Yes. But I can't tell you where yet."

- "Alright, your majesty. But you are taking guards with you, right?"

- "I am fine on my own. But Lady Vaelya is going with her. She is more than enough."

- "Alright, your majesty. Can you tell me about your return time?"

- "Tomorrow morning."

- "Alright, your majesty. Your Majesty, I think it will be best if I give you some information now."

- "What is it, Lukemir?"

Lukemir hesitates for a while, then says, "Prince Corlious bought many slaves in the past. They are all in...." "Were in the Slave Chamber. 176 women of different races." I say. Lukemir becomes surprised and says, "You knew, your majesty?" I say, "Ferminaka told me. I already arranged almost all of their departure to their home. Some remains. They will reach their homes soon enough. I told you, I want to rescue all the suffering innocents. And I am doing it." Lukemir bows. I say, "I'm going to my room. See you later." Lukemir and Elyar say in unison, "Yes, your majesty."

I leave the royal court and go to my room. 

I lie on my bed and close my eyes. Somehow, I am a bit tired. Ah! Let's take some rest before the...

NO! I can't afford to take a rest now. Each second I am spending on my rest, each second, people are suffering.

8 women told us they don't have a home to return to. That's why they want to stay in the palace as maids. Ferminaka will train them. So, now I have to send Melune, 5 elves, and 4 humans to their home. And then rescue every single suffering person. 

I get up and call out, "Ferminaka!" Ferminaka enters into the room and says, "Yes, your majesty." I say, "Start the preparation; I have to send them to their home." 

- "I already completed the preparation, your majesty. We will depart anytime you want."

- "We?"

- "I want to come with you, your majesty. If that's not a problem for you."

- "It's not. But the way may be a bit scary for you."

- "It won't be an issue, your majesty."

- "Well then, you are on the team."

Emelin enters into the room with Vaelya. Emelin says, "I want to come with you, your majesty." I say, "Call me, brother. And sister, this is not a trip. This is a seri.... Wait! What are you talking about?" Emelin says, "Lady Vaelya told me everything. So I know where you are going. You are going to get the imprisoned women to their home. I want to go with you, brother." 

Ah! I look at Vaelya. Vaelya says, "She is your sister now. So, no point in keeping secrets. She is cute. I like her." I say, "Sister, this journey may become dangerous for you." Emelin says, "You and Lady Vaelya will protect me. So I am not worried." Vaelya says, "Let her come with us, Hero Agni." I sigh and say, "Alright then, you will come with us."

Ferminaka says hesitantly, "May I ask you a question, your majesty?" I reply, "Sure, what is it?" Ferminaka says, "You told me that we will be back in tomorrow morning. But those 10 women are from different kingdoms. Then how can we get all of them home before tomorrow morning?" 

I smile and say, "Well, I have found a shortcut."

"May I come in, your majesty?" Lukemir says, standing at the door. I reply, "Yes." Lukemir comes to me and says, "The carriage is ready, your majesty." I say, "Thank you. We will leave soon." Lukemir says, "Can I co...." "No. You have to be present here while I am gone. So no Lukemir." I say, interrupting him. Lukemir says, "I understand, your majesty. Are Lady Vaelya and Princess Emelin coming with you, your majesty?" I reply, "Yes. And also Ferminaka." Ferminaka says, "I will drive the carriage, Mr. Lukemir." Lukemir says, "Please be safe, your majesty." I smile and say, "I'll, Lukemir."

Our carriage departs from the palace in the afternoon. Ferminaka is driving. I am inside the carriage with Vaelya, Emelin, Melune, 5 elves, and 4 women. No one sees how many people are inside the carriage unless we uncover the windows or open the door. 

After exiting Caelgrand City, I tell Ferminaka about my shortcut. She's a bit scared to hear that. But she agrees to go according to my plan.

Ferminaka drives the carriage towards the road that goes through the forest. When the carriage enters into the forest, I say, "Princess Vaelya, it's your turn now." 

Vaelya gets out from the carriage and opens a portal gate. The Demon King gives Vaelya the authority to bring anyone she wants to the Demon Realm. So, it won't be a problem. 

Vaelya comes into the carriage. Ferminaka drives the carriage into the portal gate. We enter into the Demon Realm.